"Nazi Ball" instead of Academics Ball: Jewish University Students Reported for Incitement
Following an action in the run-up to the Freedom Party's Academic Ball, the state protection is investigating the Jewish Austrian University Students (JöH). Activists projected a "Countdown to the Nazi Ball" onto the Outer Castle Gate for several days. The Vienna State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (LSE) confirmed to APA upon request a self-filed report and investigations on suspicion of incitement. The JöH protested against the proceedings.
Freedom of Expression and Critical Voices "Suppressed in Favor of Right-Wing Extremist Fraternities"
The JöH criticized not only that investigations were initiated at all. They suspect, above all, that the authorities intervened at the "prompt" of the organizer of the Academic Ball, FPÖ politician Udo Guggenbichler. "Democratic freedom of assembly and expression was apparently violated in favor of and with the involvement of right-wing extremist fraternities, thus attempting to silence critical voices," it said in a statement.
Jewish University Students See "Scandal" and "Complete Ignorance" of Austrian Law
Alon Ishay, president of the Jewish Austrian University Students, also spoke of a "scandal," as the police and the LSE apparently see themselves as a "private troop of the right-wing extremist fraternity member" Guggenbichler. "In complete ignorance of the Austrian legal situation, an 'incitement suspicion' was alleged against Jewish students. This law is actually intended to protect us as Jews from the participants of the WKR Ball and their 'isolated cases'.
The police did not comment on details. Upon completion of the investigations, the results will be brought to the attention of the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office, it was communicated. The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office will then decide on the proceedings.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.