Anti-Muslim Racism in Austria Hits Record High Since 2014

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Documentation and Counselling Centre for Anti-Muslim Racism (Documentation Centre Austria), has reported that anti-Muslim racism has reached its highest level. According to the 11th Anti-Muslim Racism Report presented on Thursday, 1,684 incidents were recorded, the highest number since the centre was founded in 2014. This includes a suspected anti-Muslim murder case, which the Documentation Centre Austria did not elaborate on in its report. According to the organisation, experts estimate that the actual number of unreported cases of anti-Muslim racism is far higher. This year’s report by the NGO is titled ‘Not an Isolated Case, but a System’ and focuses on the structural roots of the problem. The report examines the conditions under which anti-Muslim racism emerges, is legitimised, and becomes entrenched in daily life. According to the organisation, in addition to politics and the media, the healthcare and legal systems are also coming under increased scrutiny. The report sees a connection with political debates, particularly surrounding the so-called ‘zero tolerance’ policy of the ruling Austrian People’s Party (OVP), as well as discussions and the enactment of a headscarf ban for girls under the age of 14.