Academics & Education

Muslim leader in Austria slams change to report cards 'Islam' replaced in title of elective religious courses with abbreviation for representative body for Muslim community

(Anadolu) A Muslim leader in Austria expressed shock Friday over a change in the title of elective courses on Islam in school report cards to “IGGO,” the abbreviation for the Islamic Religious Community of Austria. “The institution or organization that represents the […]

Government & Politics

EU top court rules against Austrian curbs on refugee rights The European Court of Justice ruled against a 2015 regulation that saw Austria give minimal social assistance to refugees. Austria's conservative government has introduced a number of strict immigration cuts recently.

(Deutsche Welle) The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ordered Austria to roll back regulations on Wednesday that saw refugees given markedly less social assistance than native-born Austrians. The ECJ ruled that the Austrian measure from 2015 was not compatible with EU directives […]

Academics & Education

Austria prepares for headscarf ban in primary schools If draft law passes parliament, children under 10 will be prohibited to wear headscarf, violations will be fined

(Anadolu) Austria’s far-right government has introduced a draft law to the parliament to ban the headscarf in primary schools, planning to implement it without the support of the opposition. Transport Minister Norber Hofer told a news conference following the Council of Ministers […]

Government & Politics

Austria rejects UN migration pact

(AFP) Austria said Wednesday it will not sign a United Nations migration pact that is set to be adopted in December, in order to “defend its national sovereignty.” The United States and Hungary have already rejected the Global Compact for Migration, which […]

Government & Politics

Germany extends border controls with Austria and Denmark Germany's Interior Ministry will extend migration controls at borders with Austria and Denmark for another six months. Denmark, Austria and France have also announced their intention to extend border controls.

(Deutsche Welle) Germany’s Interior Ministry announced on Friday that it will extend migration controls at borders with Austria and Denmark, which were reintroduced in several parts of the normally passport-free Schengen area after the European migrant crisis of 2015. The extension is […]

Government & Politics

Austria slated to ban Hezbollah and Hamas symbols Austrian media reported this past week that the government’s ban will be expanded to include symbols of Turkey’s ultra-radical nationalist Grey Wolves.

(Jerusalem Post) Austria’s conservative government plans to impose a ban of Islamic extremist symbols from the terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas. The ban is scheduled to go into effect in March. Austrian media reported this past week that the government’s ban will […]

Government & Politics

Austria may ban four-fingered MB salute

(IPT) The Austrian government is considering outlawing a four-fingered salute representing support for the Muslim Brotherhood. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan popularized it and began using it after Egypt’s military toppled the Brotherhood in 2013. Muslim Brotherhood members and sympathizers around the […]

Clothing

Austria’s controversial ‘burqa ban,’ a year on With few burqa wearers in Austria, police have often been forced to deal with the absurd side effects of the law. Public opinion, however, remains divided one year after the country banned full-face coverings.

(Deutsche Welle) “Not much has changed,” says Herbert Trappel, enjoying a glass of wine at an outdoor sausage stand at Vienna’s Viktor Adler Market. “When was the law introduced, back in April?” The stand’s proprietor, Vesna Dudek, shakes her head indecisively. You […]

Academics & Education

Austria mulls to expand headscarf ban in schools People on public duty should not use religious, ideological symbols on duty, says Austria's education minister

(Anadolu) Expanding the range of headscarf bans for students and teachers in secondary school should be discussed throughout the country, especially in parliament, Austria’s education minister said on Monday. Speaking at Austrian state television ORF on a draft law to ban Muslim […]

Government & Politics

Austria to stop offering driving tests in Turkish Starting next year, new drivers in Austria will no longer be able to take their exam in Turkish, according to Transport Minister Norbert Hofer. The far-right politician claims the move is motivated by financial reasons.

(Deutsche Welle) As Austria prepares a new version of its driving exam, Transport Minister Norbert Hofer announced on Saturday the test would be available in German, English, Slovenian and Croatian — but not Turkish. Under current regulations, driving students in Austria can sign […]

Crime

Turkish man beats Jews in front of kosher shop in Vienna 24-year-old man attacks Jews in front of kosher restaurant in Austria capital before assaulting woman.

(Arutz Sheva) Several Jews were physically assaulted in Vienna on Thursday outside of a kosher restaurant. The incident occurred in Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district Thursday morning, on Tabor Street. According to Austrian media outlets, a 24-year-old Austrian man of Turkish origin attacked three […]