World

Al-Qaeda Threatens Oktoberfest

by Annina Bergman | September 30, 2009 at 03:32 pm

220 views | 35 Recommendations | 5 comments

Bavarian police have arrested two Islamic extremists in Munich, leading to an increase in security at the ongoing Oktoberfest. Flights are banned from entering the air space above the festival, and vehicles are not allowed to park.

Videos where members of al-Qaeda threaten Germans to look out if they don't withdraw from Afghanistan emerged on the internet after the German people re-elected their center-right government last week. Two Islamic extremists with links to Bekay Harrach, the person who made the threats in the videos, have now been arrested in Munich, and security levels have been raised.

Only residents can now drive in the Oktoberfest area, and nobody is allowed to park. Visitors are advised not to bring large bags to the festival, and all delivery vehicles will be searched. No planes can enter the air above Oktoberfest.

This year, Oktoberfest runs from September 19th to October 4th.

Toni Roiderer, the spokesman for the beer tent managers, said there had been no cancellations so far. "But if someone cancels their table reservations, we'll fill the tents with people who are less afraid," he told the ddp news agency.

Peter Reichl, a government spokesman, said: "We know these persons are part of Islamic extremist circles." Islamic fundamentalists oppose the consumption of alcohol and would regard the world's largest beer festival as a richly symbolic target.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Add a comment

albertacowpoke

at 18:20 on September 30th, 2009

This severely interferes with beer drinking and should be condemned.

a211423

at 18:26 on September 30th, 2009

lol cowpoke

I am just waiting for some kind of demonstration against Mother's Day, Father's Day or Valentine's Day. These are probably "richly symbolic" to some one. : (

Seriously though, any religion could take aim at the rituals of modernity, but they are just benign celebrations that do no harm.

israeli.agent

at 18:29 on September 30th, 2009

"...but they are just benign celebrations that do no harm. "

That is the idea..! That exactly is THE idea..!!.

Misery always loves company. The terrorists always live in such miserable condition, with poisoned mind and corrupted soul can't stand normal human beings enjoy their life. Again and again it is being proved.

.Agent.

Barry Artiste

at 19:45 on September 30th, 2009

You know flying planes into buildings is one thing, ruining a beer and ribs and sausage festival will get many of us so enraged, we will show no mercy when we take out one of their festivals.