Austria's Anti-Muslim Sentiment: A Troubling Trend

Austria is not removing Muslims from the country, but the country has seen a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and policies in recent years. In 2020, Austrian authorities conducted a series of raids, known as Operation Luxor, targeting prominent Muslims and Muslim civil society organisations. This was part of a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, but critics argue it was an attempt by the right-wing government to punish and silence politically active Austrian Muslims.

Austria has a history of immigration and a significant Muslim population, mostly Sunni, who make up nearly 8-9% of the country's population. While the country has a strong legal framework protecting religious freedom and providing for the recognition of Islam, recent policy changes have restricted the practice of Islam in public spaces and compromised the religious liberties of Muslims.

The rise of far-right parties, such as the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), has contributed to the increasing Islamophobia and xenophobia in the country. The current political landscape in Austria is largely hostile towards Muslims, with policies targeting the integration of Muslims and their participation in public life.

The Austrian state's attack on Muslims

Muslims have had a long history in Austria, with the first evidence of Muslims in the country dating back to nomadic tribes from Asia that entered the region in 895. Following the Ottoman conquest of the Medieval Kingdom of Hungary in the 16th century, more Muslims moved into what is now modern-day Austria.

Despite this long history, Muslims in Austria have faced increasing attacks on their civil liberties and human rights in recent years. On 9 November 2020, Austrian authorities undertook a police operation known as Operation Luxor, which targeted individuals and organisations within Muslim civil society. This operation was carried out in three different Austrian states and involved nearly 1,000 police officers. Those targeted included prominent academics and public commentators, as well as aid organisations and Muslim associations operating mosques.

Operation Luxor was justified by the Austrian government as a necessary measure to combat the influence of Islamic extremism and the threat of terrorism. However, critics argue that it was a politically motivated attack on Muslims, fueled by rising right-wing sentiment and Islamophobia. This sentiment has been encouraged by far-right parties such as the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), which has used Islamophobia as a central strategy to gain votes.

The operation resulted in the freezing of bank accounts and assets, the confiscation of electronic devices, and lengthy interrogations. No arrests or charges have been made, and the raids have been ruled unlawful by the appellate court. Despite this, the Austrian government has shown little sign of easing its crackdown on Muslims and continues to defend its actions.

The effects of Operation Luxor have been devastating for those targeted, with livelihoods destroyed and reputations ruined. Many have been forced to leave the country, seeking safety and protection of their rights elsewhere. The operation has also had a chilling effect on Muslim civil society in Austria, with individuals afraid to speak out for fear of becoming targets themselves.

This attack on Muslims in Austria is part of a broader trend of rising Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment across Europe. It raises serious concerns about the protection of civil liberties and religious freedom, with Muslims facing increasing discrimination, harassment, and violence. It also calls into question the commitment of Austrian authorities to uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination that are supposed to be guaranteed by law.

The rise of anti-Muslim sentiment in Austria

Austria, a country with a long history of immigration, has seen a recent surge in anti-Muslim sentiment, fuelled by right-wing politics and media outlets. This has resulted in increased discrimination, harassment, and even physical attacks against Muslims, as well as restrictions on their religious practices and freedom. While Islam is recognised as an official religion in the country, with Muslims comprising nearly 8-10% of the population, they now face growing hostility and exclusion.

A Historical Context

Austria has a long history of religious diversity and recognition. Since the 19th century, various laws and treaties have granted rights and protections to religious minorities, including Muslims. The 1867 Basic Law of the State guaranteed freedom of faith and conscience, while the 1874 Law of Recognition gave Muslims additional rights to organise and manage their community affairs. The Islam Law of 1912 further placed Muslims on an equal legal footing with followers of other recognised religions.

A Shift in Political Landscape

The political landscape of Austria began to shift with the rise of far-right parties, particularly the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). Founded by former Nazis in the 1950s, the FPÖ has capitalised on anti-immigrant sentiment and Islamophobia to gain political support. Joerg Haider, a prominent far-right leader, normalised and encouraged anti-Muslim rhetoric, which was later adopted by the centre-right Austrian People's Party (OVP) under Sebastian Kurz. This shift brought about a host of anti-Muslim policies, including the closure of mosques, bans on hijabs in educational institutions, and increased surveillance of Muslim associations.

Operation Luxor

A pivotal event in the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment was "Operation Luxor" in 2020. This police operation, carried out under the pretext of countering terrorism and targeting the Muslim Brotherhood, saw raids on the homes and organisations of nearly 70 individuals, including prominent Muslim academics and activists. One such individual, Farid Hafez, recounts the trauma of a heavily armed police force invading his family home, freezing his assets, and effectively silencing his critique of anti-Muslim policies. He, along with others, was smeared as an "enemy of the state" and a supporter of extremism, despite no evidence or charges ever being brought against them.

Impact and Consequences

The consequences of Operation Luxor and the broader anti-Muslim sentiment in Austria have been significant. Muslims in Austria now face increased discrimination, harassment, and even physical violence. Dokustelle, an initiative documenting anti-Muslim racism, reported 1,061 anti-Muslim incidents in 2021, with most involving hate speech, insults, and incitement of violence. Additionally, Muslim women, particularly those visibly identifiable, have been disproportionately targeted.

The Austrian government's policies and rhetoric have contributed to this climate of fear and suspicion. By claiming to separate "peaceful Muslims" from "radical" elements, they have effectively marginalised and suppressed the entire Muslim community. This has been enabled by a broader European context of securitisation, where the "war on terror" and concerns over immigration have led to the erosion of religious liberties and the restriction of Islamic practices in public spaces.

A Way Forward

Despite the challenges, there are efforts to counter anti-Muslim sentiment in Austria. Muslim youth organisations like the Muslim Youth of Austria actively work to foster interfaith dialogue and combat xenophobia and racism. Additionally, academic researchers and journalists continue to expose the harmful impacts of Islamophobia and the complicity of ideological extremists, corrupt regimes, and certain media outlets in perpetuating these issues. Legal challenges, such as the lawsuit filed by Farid Hafez, also seek to hold accountable those who propagate anti-Muslim sentiments and contribute to the marginalisation of the community.

The far-right's role in spreading anti-Muslim sentiment

The far-right in Austria has played a significant role in spreading anti-Muslim sentiment in the country, with the Freedom Party (FPÖ) being the most prominent force in this regard. The party has a history of anti-Muslim and anti-immigration rhetoric, which has influenced both public discourse and the policies of other political parties.

The FPÖ was founded in 1956 by Anton Reinthaller, a former officer of the SS, the elite corps of Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party. The party has been described as the “indirect successor” of the Austrian Nazi party, and its early leaders included individuals with strong Nazi pasts. Despite this, the party managed to gain influence in Austrian politics, even supporting a minority government in 1970 and securing several ministerial posts for its members.

In 1986, Jörg Haider took over the leadership of the FPÖ and transformed it into one of the first successful populist far-right parties in Europe. Under Haider, the party shifted its focus to anti-migration issues and identity politics, with the "ethnic other" becoming a central target of its campaigns. While anti-Muslim rhetoric initially played a minor role, this began to change when Haider left the FPÖ in 2005 to form a new populist party, the Alliance for the Future of Austria (BZÖ).

Under the new leadership of Heinz-Christian Strache, the FPÖ began engaging in political campaigns that scapegoated Muslims and criticised Islamic culture. The party presented Muslims as the primary “targets” of its anti-immigration strategies, arguing that Islam was inherently incompatible with Western values and Austrian culture. This shift in messaging resonated with segments of the Austrian electorate concerned about cultural identity, national sovereignty, and social cohesion.

The FPÖ's anti-Muslim stance intensified following the 9/11 attacks and the refugee crisis, with Muslim immigrants becoming central targets of the party's rhetoric. In a 2008 position paper, the FPÖ called for restricting the legal recognition of Islam to Bosnian white Muslims, arguing that newer immigrants should not have similar rights. The party also played a main role in shaping Austria's national discourse on immigration, positioning itself as a defender of Austrian identity and sovereignty.

The FPÖ's influence extended beyond its own electoral success, as its anti-Muslim and anti-immigration messaging influenced the policies and positions of other mainstream parties. The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), for example, adopted a harder line on immigration and Islam-related issues, mirroring many of the FPÖ's stances. This shift was particularly notable under the leadership of Sebastian Kurz, who became the new ÖVP leader in 2017 and pushed the party to adopt an even more restrictive stance towards Muslim immigration.

The FPÖ's rhetoric and policies have had a significant impact on Austria's Muslim community, who make up around 7-9% of the country's population. Muslims in Austria have faced increasing structural forms of racism and have been targeted by laws that exclude them from holding public office, such as the ban on wearing hijabs for certain professions. Additionally, the FPÖ and some circles within the ÖVP have depicted Muslim organisations as hotbeds of fundamentalism and extremism, further contributing to the spread of anti-Muslim sentiment in the country.

The impact of anti-Muslim policies on Austrian Muslims

Muslims in Austria have been subjected to various anti-Muslim policies and sentiments that have had significant impacts on their lives and well-being. From increased surveillance and restrictions on religious practices to being targeted as "enablers of terrorism," Austrian Muslims have faced challenges to their civil liberties and social acceptance. Here are some key impacts of these policies:

Increased Surveillance and Restrictions:

The Austrian government has implemented several measures that specifically target the Muslim community for surveillance and restriction of their religious practices. The Islam Act of 2015 put Muslims under scrutiny and imposed discriminatory practices not faced by other religious groups. This includes a ban on foreign funding of mosques and the salaries of imams, as well as a ban on the hijab in certain educational institutions and for civil service employees. The government also established institutions like the Documentation Center for Political Islam, which is widely viewed as critical of Islam and contributes to the stigmatisation of Muslim organisations and individuals.

Social Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia:

Despite legal recognition and religious rights granted to Muslims, social discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia persist in Austria. A significant number of Austrians express discomfort with having Muslims as neighbours or their children in relationships with Muslims. Right-wing extremist groups and neo-Nazis have capitalised on these sentiments, leading to an increase in anti-Muslim campaigns and incidents. Muslim women, especially those dressed in traditional Islamic clothing, bear the brunt of these attacks, facing verbal and physical assaults, discrimination in employment, and public insults.

Politicisation of Islam:

The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has played a significant role in politicising Islam in Austria. They have instrumentalised fears of Islam and Muslims to gain electoral support, using images of women in hijabs and slogans like "Stop Foreign Infiltration." This has created an environment where Muslims constantly defend themselves against accusations of terrorism and extremism. The centre-right Austrian People's Party (OVP) has also contributed to this politicisation by implementing anti-Muslim policies, such as closing mosques and deporting imams, under the guise of combating "political Islam."

Impact on Civil Liberties and Livelihoods:

The anti-Muslim sentiment in Austria has resulted in the violation of civil liberties and the destruction of livelihoods for many Muslims. During the 2020 Operation Luxor, a wide-ranging crackdown on Muslim civil society activists, individuals' bank accounts and assets were frozen, effectively ruining their lives with no evidence of wrongdoing. This operation, carried out with the help of a private investigation firm, targeted nearly 70 individuals and organisations, including prominent Muslims and aid organisations. The government's actions have silenced critics of anti-Muslim policies and forced some, like the author Farid Hafez, to leave the country.

Limited Political Representation:

Muslims in Austria are severely underrepresented in mainstream political parties, with very few legislators in the national parliament. This lack of representation contributes to the marginalisation of the Muslim community and the lack of opposition to anti-Muslim policies. The far-right and centre-right parties have capitalised on Islamophobia to gain political support, and even some left-leaning parties have gone along with the marginalisation of Austrian Muslims.

In conclusion, the impacts of anti-Muslim policies and sentiments in Austria have been far-reaching and detrimental to the Muslim community. From restrictions on religious practices to social discrimination and violations of civil liberties, Austrian Muslims face challenges to their basic rights and social acceptance. These policies contribute to an environment of fear and marginalisation, forcing some to leave the country in search of dignity and protection under the law.

The securitisation of Islam in Austria

Austria has a long history of Muslim settlement, dating back to the entry of nomadic tribes from Asia in 895. The country's Muslim population grew significantly following the Ottoman conquest of the Medieval Kingdom of Hungary in the 16th century and, later, the Austro-Hungarian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878. Today, Islam is the largest minority religion in Austria, practised by 7.9% of the population as of 2016.

Despite this long history, the treatment of Muslims in Austria has become increasingly securitised in recent years. This essay will explore the securitisation of Islam in Austria, focusing on the impact of recent policy changes, the role of political parties, and the implications for Muslim civil liberties and integration.

Recent Policy Changes

In February 2015, the Austrian parliament passed a new Islamgesetz, or Islam Law, which imposed restrictions on the Muslim community not faced by any other legally recognised church or denomination. The law banned foreign funding of mosques and the payment of imams' salaries from abroad. It also required central tenets of the religion to be presented to the authorities in German. While the law granted Muslims certain additional rights, such as access to halal food and pastoral care in the military, these were overshadowed by the perception that the law was primarily aimed at curbing the influence of Islamic extremism.

In October 2017, the Austrian government passed another controversial law, the "Prohibition on the Covering of the Face", which made it illegal to wear clothing that obscures the face in public. This law was widely criticised as Islamophobic, particularly as face veils are rare in Austria, with only around 100-150 Muslim women wearing some type of face covering.

In 2018, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the closure of seven mosques and the deportation of 40 imams with links to Turkey, citing the need to combat political Islam and radicalisation. Kurz also proposed the creation of a new institution to monitor and document activities related to political Islam, arguing that a significant number of Austrian Muslims hold anti-Western and antisemitic views.

These policy changes have had a significant impact on the Muslim community in Austria, leading to increased scrutiny and surveillance and restricting the public practice of Islam. They have also contributed to a climate of Islamophobia and hindered the integration of Muslims into Austrian society.

The Role of Political Parties

The rise of far-right and populist parties in Austria, such as the Freedom Party (FPÖ), has played a significant role in the securitisation of Islam. The FPÖ has increasingly employed Islamophobic populism to gain votes, with Islamophobia becoming one of its central strategies. During election campaigns, the party has used images of women in headscarves and slogans such as "Stop Foreign Infiltration" to stoke fears about Islam.

Other political parties have reacted to the FPÖ's tactics in different ways. The Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) has struggled to reconcile its traditional secularism with its stance on multiculturalism, leading to an ambiguous position on the issue of Islam. Meanwhile, the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has referenced Islam in its attempts to appeal to a wider cross-section of voters and has been a driving force behind the Islam Law of 2015.

Impact on Muslim Civil Liberties and Integration

The exclusionary model of citizenship in Austria further hinders the integration of Muslims, who are largely denied political rights and must acquire citizenship through a lengthy and restrictive naturalisation process. This has contributed to a sense of marginalisation and alienation within the Muslim community.

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