Protests over Austria 'race' death

Austrian anti-racism marches have previously turned violent

Human rights activists plan to march through the Austrian capital, Vienna, on Friday to protest against alleged police mistreatment of an African man who later died.

The broadcasting this week of amateur camera footage showing medics and a policewoman kneeling and standing on top of the man - who was allegedly involved in a brawl - has caused a sensation in Austria and led to allegations of police brutality.

The man, identified only as 33-year-old Cheibani W from Mauritania, died at an African exhibition in a Vienna park on 15 July after he was subdued and injected with a sedative.

Austrian authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine whether the man was under the influence on drugs or alcohol, as some officials have suggested, or whether he suffered from a heart condition.

The African exhibition had been set up in an effort to promote cultural understanding.

Vienna's district court and officials with the interior ministry are investigating whether the police officers involved should be charged with negligent homicide.

The capital's police force has said it will wait for more evidence of wrongdoing before taking any disciplinary action against the officers.

Anti-racism

The Austrian League for Human Rights said Friday's planned "anti-racism" demonstration on Friday was part of a broader effort to press the country to pass legislation outlawing discrimination.

The case has evoked memories of a 1999 police brutality scandal that erupted when officers deporting 25-year old Nigerian immigrant, Marcus Omofuma.

Austrian authorities strapped Mr Omofuma to his airplane seat and taped his mouth and nose shut. He died during the flight.

Last year, a court convicted three policemen of negligent homicide in that case but acquitted them of torture leading to the death, which would have been punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Instead, the three officers received suspended eight-month sentences.

The case sparked a public outcry in Austria.