Austrian Authorities Face Criticism for Restricting Palestinian Solidarity, Amnesty International Reports
Vienna, Austria – Austrian authorities are facing mounting criticism for actions that Amnesty International says are stifling freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in relation to solidarity with Palestinians. A new report from the human rights organization details a “chilling effect” on activists, NGOs, academics, and others expressing support for Palestinians, particularly following the start of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The report, published Tuesday, alleges that restrictions are being imposed through broad allegations of antisemitism, and a concerning trend of instrumentalizing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.
“A significant chilling effect has taken hold and has seriously impacted people’s ability and willingness to express solidarity with the Palestinian people or criticize the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza,” said Shoura Hashemi, Executive Director of Amnesty International Austria.
The report highlights concerns over the criminalization of speech, citing a decree from the Ministry of Justice that deems the use of the chant “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as sufficient grounds for suspicion of “approval of terrorist offences.” Authorities in Vienna have prohibited at least seven assemblies based on the potential use of this chant.
Amnesty International’s findings, based on 19 interviews, reveal a climate of fear among those who criticize Israeli policies, with many worried about being labeled antisemitic, facing court proceedings, smear campaigns, or losing state funding. Two civil society organizations specifically expressed concerns about potential funding cuts if they publicly opposed Israeli actions against Palestinians.
The report also points to a rise in racist incidents in Austria, particularly anti-Palestinian racism, since October 2023. One Austrian-Palestinian individual described a shift in interactions, stating they now feel compelled to “justify myself when someone talks to me.”
Hashemi emphasized the danger of equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism, stating, “Equating criticism of the Israeli state with antisemitism can result in violations of freedom of expression.” She added that such actions “undermine efforts to combat genuine antisemitism.”
Amnesty International is calling on Austrian authorities to adopt a national action plan against racism, end the use of the IHRA WDA in policy and practice, repeal the decree regarding the “From the river to the sea” chant, and ensure any restrictions on freedom of expression comply with international human rights law. The organization also urges authorities to respect and protect the right to advocate for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The report comes amid growing international scrutiny of how governments are balancing concerns about antisemitism with the protection of free speech in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Amnesty International previously joined over 100 organizations in April 2023 urging the United Nations not to endorse the IHRA WDA, citing concerns about its impact on legitimate criticism of Israel.
