Austria's Islamic communities push back against Integration Minister Bauer

Austria's 10 Islamic religious communities have rejected what they called “blanket suspicions” from Chancellor's Office Minister Claudia Bauer, after she said in an APA interview that a ban on the Islamic Religious Community of Austria, or IGGÖ, could not be ruled out.

In a joint statement, the communities said the legally recognized religious body represents Austria's Muslims and should not be pushed toward a ban without concrete evidence. Anyone speaking of alleged radicalization, they said, must identify specific facts and verifiable cases.

The communities also reaffirmed their commitment to the constitution, the rule of law and substantive dialogue. “But we expect the same respect toward the legally recognized Islamic Religious Community,” they said. They added that their more than 300 mosques across Austria cooperate with state institutions and have long contributed to prevention, imam training and social cohesion.

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But we expect the same respect toward the legally recognized Islamic Religious Community.

Bauer subsequently softened her comments. In an Ö1 interview, she said an IGGÖ ban was not being considered at all. She nevertheless argued that the organization includes representatives from different groups and that some of those groups could be radical.

Freedom Party Secretary-General Michael Schnedlitz criticized the shift. “Announce, backtrack and implement nothing, that is how the ÖVP operates in fighting political Islam,” he said. He called for a ban on political Islam and said failing to pursue one meant not understanding what he described as Austria's greatest security threat.

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Announce, backtrack and implement nothing, that is how the ÖVP operates in fighting political Islam.