Syrian gang war in Vienna: Mass trial for attempted murder

A group of approximately 20 young Syrians allegedly attacked four of their countrymen in Vienna's Floridsdorf district last November. The assault, which took place in the Wasserpark near the Alte Donau, resulted in one victim suffering severe injuries, including a stab wound to the back and buttocks, leaving him in critical condition. Several attackers reportedly escaped unidentified.

Ten of the alleged perpetrators, aged between 15 and 27, are now facing trial in Vienna. The charges include complicity in attempted and completed intentional grievous bodily harm. The youngest defendant, a minor, faces attempted murder charges, which carry a maximum of ten years in prison under juvenile law, significantly less than the life sentence possible under adult criminal law.

Prosecutors believe the motive for the "massive violent attack" stemmed from a perceived insult to the honor of the group's leader. He allegedly summoned Syrian refugees from his chat group, instructing them to meet at a mosque in Floridsdorf before proceeding to the park, some masked and armed with knives, batons, brass knuckles, and a blank-firing pistol. The victims, who believed they were meeting for a peaceful discussion, included the individual accused of the initial offense and his brother.

Most of the accused pleaded not guilty, offering similar accounts of being in the area by chance or claiming they heard but did not see the attack. One defendant admitted to hearing gunshots and entering the park out of curiosity, but denied witnessing anything specific. When questioned about a photo of the pistol on his phone, he stated he did not know who sent it to him. Some defendants appeared to smirk at the audience, which included many of their relatives.