Heavy police presence at Austrian festival after Swift cancellations

A week after the cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to a feared terrorist threat, the next major musical event in Austria is under special police protection.

For the four-day Frequency Festival in the city of Sankt Pölten, security measures have been further intensified despite no specific terrorist alert, said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

The top act on the first day is the British singer Ed Sheeran.

Undercover officers are also said to be present in the audience. Additionally, special units have been strategically positioned to intervene quickly if necessary, Karner stated.

The festival is expected to attract around 50,000 fans each day.

Regarding the investigations in the case of the Swift concerts, Karner explained that five individuals have now been identified who, from the perspective of the domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, are associated with the monitored suspects.

These people were supposed to be working in the facility and catering areas at the concerts, Karner said.

Following the terrorism alert, three young men were arrested, two of whom are suspected of planning an attack with explosives and knives on fans of the US star waiting outside the stadium.

A total of 17 mobile phones were seized, Karner said, which means that extensive data material must be reviewed.

One recants confession, one remains silent

The main suspect, aged 19 years, and his alleged 17-year-old accomplice are being investigated for membership in a terrorist association and a criminal organisation.

Both young men had pledged allegiance to the terrorist group Islamic State. The 19-year-old has now recanted his original confession, according to a lawyer. The younger one has remained silent so far.