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Under threat of violence and massive intimidation attempts, five extremists recently tried to gain access to a mosque in Brigittenau. They accused those who prayed there of having “deviated from the true faith” and wanted to expel them and the Imam.
To reinforce his threats, one of the men drew a weapon. Therefore, the mosque community board of directors has filed a criminal complaint with the police for dangerous threats.
“Blind hatred”
According to the Islamic Religious Community (IGGÖ), the small group first sought a fight in the mosque. After that, the men went out to threaten the believers who were leaving the house of prayer. Finally they withdrew again.
Consequently, in the mosque community one was intimidated. Only after an exchange with the IGGÖ it was decided to report him. To date, it was unknown which group it was. “The police are investigating,” says IGGÖ spokeswoman Valerie Mussa.
IGGÖ President Ümit Vural finds clear words. Do not be intimidated “neither by right-wing extremists nor by extremist groups that invoke Islam, but meanwhile also direct their blind hatred against members of our religious community and against mosques.” The November 2 terrorist attack was “directed at all of us, including Muslims.”
No protection for mosques
In this context, Vural points out that there are no concepts of protection or security for mosques in Austria, although they are repeatedly targeted. The IGGÖ had pointed out several times that the tasks of the security police could not be assumed.
“In the past, we ourselves have designated meeting places for extremist groups and denounced them,” Vural recalls. So far the request for adequate cooperation with the security authorities has not been heard.
Vural now asks the political leaders again to “reconsider their blockade of the IGGÖ and cooperate with him in the fight against extremist groups.”
