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The Upper Austrian native, who was involved in the Muslim youth of Austria when he was 17, is listed on the university’s home page among employees whose jobs are funded with the help of third-party funds. According to the Rectorate of the University of Salzburg to the “Salzburger Nachrichten”, the funding is provided by a foundation in Switzerland, and part of the money for this comes from Saudi Arabia.
Head of department: “I never noticed it unpleasantly”
The head of the Department of Political Science and Sociology, Reinhard Heinisch, said the political scientist’s project work was planned for three years and should run until 2021. Since the raid became known, he had not been able to communicate with the employee. At the same time, Heinisch emphasized: “I have never noticed him uncomfortable. For me he was always sensible and understanding, he never took radical positions towards me.” Heinisch emphasized that the researcher with a focus on Islamophobia had completed studies in the US and turned down Turkey’s offers. The political scientist has completed his habilitation at the University of Salzburg since last year.
Salzburg political scientist: prosecution keeps a low profile
The Graz prosecutor’s office, which is conducting the investigation into the alleged financing of terrorism on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood, declined to comment on the Salzburg aspects. The documents and data carriers would now be evaluated. The raid was carried out on Tuesday at 60 addresses, mainly in Vienna and the Graz area. As reported, it is determined against 70 people as well as various associations, companies and foundations. More than 100 accounts were opened and more than 30 properties worth about 25 million euros were seized. No one is detained.
Investigations into Palestinian connections
As the “Standard” reported, authorities are also investigating the area around Palestinian connections and organizations claiming to be involved in humanitarian activities. They are apparently suspected of supporting Hamas indirectly. Organizations are likely to be closely intertwined. At least two of them or their representatives have appeared in the past in the course of investigations. Several years ago they were accused of financing Hamas with donations, and the association’s accounts were frozen as a result. Years of research followed. However, the accusation could never be confirmed in court and the process was abandoned.
(Those: APA)
