Austrian Parliament Weighs Ban on Muslim Brotherhood, Islamist Activities

Austrian parliamentary action against Islamist political activity and the Muslim Brotherhood has intensified, as the government prepares to introduce its own legislative proposal for a formal ban.

Freedom Party Proposal Before Constitutional Committee

On Wednesday, the National Council’s Constitutional Committee held discussions on a draft resolution submitted by the Freedom Party—the main opposition party—calling for a ban on “Islamist political” activity, with the Muslim Brotherhood at its center.

The draft resolution seeks to prohibit all activities linked to “Islamist political” ideology or its objectives, dissolve organizations affiliated with that ideology, and revoke Austrian citizenship from individuals belonging to or supporting such organizations.

Members of parliament Markus Chank, Christian Schandor, and Michael Schilcher jointly introduced the proposal. They also called for the seizure of assets belonging to entities associated with Islamist political activity.

Committee Review and Non-Binding Status

During the hearing, MP Michael Schilcher told the committee that enacting a ban would facilitate identification and tracking of extremist-related incidents occurring in Austria.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the Freedom Party’s proposal to the full National Council. The draft resolution carries no binding force on the federal government.

Government Draft Law in Development

Meanwhile, the ruling People’s Party announced it is preparing its own legislative initiative to ban Islamist political activity and the Muslim Brotherhood, with plans to present the bill to parliament shortly.

This government initiative stems from Chancellor Christian Stocker’s directive, following intelligence reports identifying an alleged Muslim Brotherhood front operating under the banner of “countering extremism” and engaging in joint projects with the Ministry of Justice.

Intelligence Findings on “Dreid” Organization

The organization in question is named “Dreid.” Austrian intelligence agencies uncovered its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood after launching a security review in June.

National Security Warning from Domestic Intelligence Chief

Recently, Sylvia Mayer, head of Austria’s domestic intelligence service—the State Protection Authority—warned that the Muslim Brotherhood is actively seeking to establish parallel societies within Austria. She urged tightening of association laws and criminal code provisions to counter the group’s influence.

In press statements, Mayer stated: “Islamist political extremism represents one of the greatest threats to public security and democracy.”

She added: “This is not solely about the Muslim Brotherhood organization itself, but about the underlying ideology. The situation mirrors right-wing extremism: the more widely this ideology spreads among the population, the greater the erosion of liberal and democratic principles.”