Muslim Brotherhood Not A Terrorist Group: Austria Court
Raids carried out by Austrian police last year against Muslim activists and academics under the pretext of fighting terrorism were thus declared to be unlawful, according to Anadolu Agency.
Graz Higher Regional Court spokesperson Elisabeth Dieber told reporters that the complaints lodged by nine people whose homes were raided by the police last year on the grounds that they provided financial support for terrorism and had relations with terrorist organizations were deemed to be justified by the court.
She added that the raids, in which police used a disproportionate amount of force, were, therefore, not lawful.
Vienna police raided 60 addresses on 9 November 2020 and detained 30 Muslim activists and academics in what was dubbed "Operation Luxor". They were accused of "establishing a terrorist organization, financial support for terrorism, organized crime formation and money laundering."
The police use of disproportionate force against well-known individuals who were treated as terrorists led to NGOs, journalists and writers calling for the issue to be clarified as a matter of urgency. The excessive force has left its mark on family members.
At least ten children have since been treated for mental health issues. The families have also had financial problems because their bank accounts were blocked following the raids.
Source: The Middle East Monitor
