ISLAMOPHOBIA IN AUSTRIA

Austrian Muslim leaders have given a fitting and positive reply to offensive anti-Islam remarks made by a member of a right-wing party, saying such “third-class” politicians do not deserve even their jeers. “We appeal to all Muslims to remain calm and not be provoked by third-class politicians,” Carla Amina Baghajati, spokeswoman for the Islamic Community of Austria said. The astute Muslim reaction came after the remarks in bad taste by an MP for the right-wing Freedom Party (FP). The FP is notorious for its repetitive vile attacks on Islam and Muslims in the country. During last year’s parliamentary polls, the party circulated pamphlets that dismissed Islam as a threat to the Christian identity of Austria. Austria Muslims, on the contrary, had launched a nationwide campaign to introduce the Prophet and his teachings to their fellow countrymen. Christian religious leaders, however, dissociate themselves from such vile comments. The head of the Ecumenical Forum of Christian Churches, Hermann Miklas, added his condemnation saying, “We as Christians distance ourselves from such remarks, which are contemptuous of other religions.”