Volksgarten residents:

“The dealers throw empty bottles at dogs”

We met Ariela and Bernhard in the Volksgarten in Graz, who described their experiences to us. For understandable reasons, they only show themselves from behind.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian/Christian Jauschowetz)

Two residents of the Volksgarten in Graz, who have to witness raw violence, mobbing and unabashed drug deals on a daily basis, describe their dramatic experiences to the "Krone" newspaper. Self-filmed videos leave you speechless, as does the fact that the police's hands are tied. "The only way out is to re-establish a protection zone," they say.  

We meet Ariela and Bernhard early in the morning in the Volksgarten in Graz. That's the best time, because there aren't so many dealers roaming around - as the two residents know from experience. While we are chatting on a bench, a few people hiding behind tall bushes are already eyeing us critically. The fact that the Graz ÖVP and the "Krone" are putting pressure on the protection zone gives the young couple hope: "Now the Volksgarten madness is finally coming out into the open again!" They have lived very close to the notorious crime hotspot, which has already gained a reputation beyond the borders of the provincial capital, for several years. The two Graz residents have to witness the escalation of violence and drugs on a daily basis, from morning to night.