Anti-Semitism accusation

Public prosecutor’s office investigates suspicions against imam

A Viennese imam has been targeted by the public prosecutor's office due to his anti-Semitic postings (symbolic image).

(Bild: APA/Hans Klaus Techt)

Following several anti-Semitic postings on Facebook, a Viennese imam has been targeted by the public prosecutor's office. It is currently being investigated whether there is incitement to hatred, announced Nina Bussek, spokesperson for the authorities, on Friday.

If there is sufficient suspicion, an investigation will be launched. "Allah, (...) don't let any of them (meaning Jews, note) live", wrote the Imam of the Assalam Mosque in Vienna-Meidling, for example. Imam refers to the religious-political head of the Islamist community. "Oh Allah, defeat the Jews and support the Mujaheddin who are fighting for Allah in Palestine," he wrote at another time. Jews are a "despicable people" who only understand "the language of blood and murder".

"Relevant what he writes on social media"
A spokeswoman for the Islamic Religious Community (IGGÖ) said that contact had already been made with his religious community. The accused, who is currently abroad, should have the opportunity to "take a stand".

Some of the posts have since been edited and the offending passages removed. "Even if he does not make these statements in the mosque, what he writes on social media is relevant," said the spokesperson for the Assalam Mosque. The mosque is mainly attended by people with Egyptian roots.

Consequences demanded
Since the allegations came to light, many have been calling for consequences. "The security authorities must do everything they can to ensure that this imam and his entourage do not pose a threat. I assume that this is already being done, as is criminal prosecution by the judiciary. If the man is not an Austrian citizen, he will have to be deported," said the President of the Jewish Community, Oskar Deutsch.

The federal government always rightly points out that anti-Semitism must have no place in our society. But at the same time it shows too little commitment (...).

NEOS-Sprecherin Stephanie Krisper

The NEOS announced a parliamentary question. "The Federal Government always rightly points out that anti-Semitism must have no place in our society. But at the same time, it shows too little commitment in checking mosques and associations for extremist behavior and closing them down if necessary. Did the authorities even have this imam and his postings on their radar?" said spokeswoman Stephanie Krisper.