Two activists face trial over Salzburg Festival disruption

Two women accused of forging entry passes during a pro-Palestinian protest at the 2025 Salzburg Festival opening will face court, ORF reports. A 36-year-old and a 57-year-old rejected an alternative resolution and are charged with document forgery.

Two other participants accepted diversion agreements and were fined. The agreements have been legally effective since mid-October, Salzburg District Court spokesman Franz Mittermayr told the Austria Press Agency. A hearing for the two women is expected to be scheduled soon, he said.

The case centres on passes bearing the words “Salzburger Festspeiben”. Police regard them as forged identity documents, while the activists say they were clearly intended as parody.

On 26 July 2025, five people disguised as stage workers used the passes and help from a former employee to enter the opening ceremony at the Felsenreitschule, a venue where the event was held. A sixth activist, who did not have one of the passes, also took part. The group interrupted a speech by Vice-Chancellor and Culture Minister Andreas Babler with shouts and banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Free Gaza now”.

The ceremony was briefly halted while security staff removed the demonstrators. They were arrested and later reported to prosecutors, including on suspicion of document forgery. The incident drew heavy criticism of the festival’s security arrangements, which were subsequently strengthened with more staff and additional measures.

On 12 May, a 39-year-old participant was given a legally binding fine of 880 euros by Vienna Regional Court for document forgery and serious property damage. The former climate activist’s case was heard in Vienna as part of proceedings involving the now-disbanded Last Generation group. He said in court that, as a Jewish citizen, he felt responsible for drawing attention to the issue.