The Austrian government has unveiled a new antiterrorism package that would make it easier to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals and could see the electronic monitoring of extremists recently released from prison.
Symbols of radical organisations from across the spectrum would also be banned and a register introduced to ensure those convicted of terrorism charges cannot access firearms.
The Austrian government’s proposals come after a gunman who had tried to join ISIS murdered four people in the capital Vienna last month.
“The antiterror package is a strong signal against extremism, regardless of which side it comes from,” said Austria’s interior minister, Karl Nehammer.
“The terrorists' aim is to divide our society. We will not allow that – we are determined to defend our freedom and democracy,” he wrote on Twitter.
Under the antiterrorism package, it will also become easier for authorities to close down mosques linked to extremism, and there will be tighter restrictions on the funding of religious institutions from abroad.
After the November attack in Vienna, that also injured 23 people, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz vowed to crack down on extremism.
“I expect an end to the misconceived tolerance and for all the nations of Europe to finally realise how dangerous the ideology of political Islam is for our freedom and the European way of life,” he said after the attack.
His rhetoric in many ways echoed that of French President Emmanuel Macron after similar attacks in France, including the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty.
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People attend a candlelight vigil remembering the victims of the attack in Vienna, Austria. AFP -
Austria is mourning four civilians shot dead on November 2, on the last night before a second coronavirus shutdown. AFP -
People light candles at the commemorative rally. Getty Images -
The attack took place in a popular nightlife area in the heart of Vienna. Getty Images -
People attend a candlelight vigil remembering the victims. AFP -
People look at tributes to the victims. AFP -
A man lights a candle at the makeshift memorial of candles and flowers at the scene of the attack. Getty Images -
A woman places flowers at the site of the attack in Vienna. Reuters -
Candles are pictured on the site of the attack. Reuters -
Police officers patrol near the site. Reuters
