Artist in Vienna attacked with antisemitic abuse during Lueger monument action
During an art performance at the controversial Karl Lueger monument in Vienna's city centre, artist Alon Ishay was insulted, spat upon and physically attacked by a group of passers-by.
Artist in Vienna attacked with antisemitic abuse during Lueger monument action
During a public art performance at the Karl Lueger monument in Vienna's city centre, a serious escalation occurred. The artist Alon Ishay, who took part in the action and is of the Jewish faith, was verbally attacked, spat upon and physically assaulted by a group of passers-by. The incidents took place during daytime hours.
The background was an intervention at the controversial monument of the former Vienna mayor, which Ishay carried out in the context of a festival organised by the University of Applied Arts. During this, he had affixed self-adhesive stickers to the monument.
This initially led to the deployment of numerous police officers. The officers documented alleged damage to the monument and secured evidence. Only after this police action did the anger of those standing around turn against the artist personally.
Eyewitnesses reported that the perpetrators insulted the victim with extremely antisemitic slogans. This also included positive references to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. The situation escalated from verbal abuse to physical violence and spitting attacks.
The incident once again highlights the controversy surrounding the Lueger monument as well as the problem of open antisemitism in the Austrian capital.
Source: Der Standard
Source: Der Standard