Muslim federation in Austria expresses dissatisfaction in the government decision to close mosques and expel imams

Several imams have been accused of preaching radical Islam. However Turkish Islamic Union of Austria (ATIB), the most powerful Turkish religious association in the country denies the claims.(Courtesy)

By Kevin Kyalo

Austria’s main federation of Muslim residents (IGGiOe) has denounced decision by the government to shut down seven mosques and expel Turkish-funded imams.

The government on what it said was “just the beginning” of a push against Islamist ideology and foreign funding of religious groups.

Speaking on Sunday Ibrahim Olgun, president of IGGiOe termed the policy as inappropriate to control political Islam and will eventually lead to weakening of structures within the Muslim community in Austria.

“The Austrian government has not produced any objective justification for the closures; Vienna wants to discredit the religious community.” Ibrahim Olgun said.

Olgun slammed the government for not informing the federation of the measures in advance and for unveiling them on the final Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

“Solutions should be worked out together around a table rather than unilaterally on the backs of the Muslim minority,” said the IGGiOe president.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Friday said the government is shutting a hard line Turkish nationalist mosque in Vienna and dissolving a group called the Arab Religious Community that runs six mosques.

Several imams have been accused of preaching radical Islam. However Turkish Islamic Union of Austria (ATIB), the most powerful Turkish religious association in the country denies the claims.

Up to 60 ATIB-approved Imams and their families could be expelled, with Vienna saying they are financed by Ankara, contravening a ban on foreign finance of religious organizations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had on Saturday strongly criticized the move as anti-Islamic.

“These measures taken by the Austrian prime minister are, I fear, leading the world towards a war between the cross and the crescent.” noted Erdogan.