Austrian party leader sparks outrage with “fight against Islam" statement

The head of Austria's People’s Party (ÖVP), Johanna Mikl-Leitner, has sparked controversy by calling for a “fight against Islam,” a statement that has been met with widespread condemnation from Muslim groups, politicians, and activists across the country.

In her remarks, Mikl-Leitner emphasized that "certain measures must be taken in the fight against Islam," an assertion that has ignited fierce backlash, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

Ümit Vural, President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), swiftly responded to the comment, expressing concern over the potential impact of such rhetoric. In a written statement, Vural reminded Mikl-Leitner that Islam is officially recognized as one of Austria's religions, and he argued that her statement was an attack on the values held by the Muslim population in the country.

"The statement ‘fighting Islam’ puts Muslims in Austria at risk of direct attack and hostility,” Vural warned. 

"If Mikl-Leitner misspoke or said these words by mistake, she needs to correct her statement, otherwise it amounts to a dangerous abuse of power that will vilify and discriminate against all Muslims in Austria, making them targets of hatred and violence," he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva