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After the attack: A lettering shines in the windows of the Vienna Opera
Photo: Ronald Zak / dpa
Concerned about acts of imitation after the terrorist act in Vienna at the beginning of November, Austria is increasing the protection of churches and other religious sites.
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer announced this.
Investigations showed "that it cannot be ruled out that the perpetrator also deliberately wanted to seek victims in churches," he said.
"We are in a delicate phase after the terrorist attack."
For specific information on the state of the investigation, Nehammer referred to the public prosecutor, who initially did not provide any information.
On November 2, a 20-year-old opened fire on passers-by in a lively nightlife district in Vienna with an assault rifle and a pistol.
He killed four people and more than 20 others were injured.
The police shot the 20-year-old in a place near a church.
The Austrian had a criminal record for attempting to join the IS terrorist militia.
According to previous knowledge, he is said to have committed the attack alone, investigations are underway against 21 men as possible confidants.
After the crime, failures of the security authorities became known.
Austria has been in a second tough lockdown for ten days.
All shops that are not necessary for basic services have been closed, schools have been switched to distance learning and a curfew has been imposed.
The country's churches remained open, but services were temporarily suspended.
The lockdown is currently valid until December 6th.
After that, public life is to be gradually ramped up again.
It is expected that retail and schools will be reopened first in the run-up to Christmas.
From now on, the police should show more presence in front of churches and other places of worship.
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lmd / dpa / Reuters
