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Far-right file case against Austrian media for 'Nazi' claim

The Local Austria
The Local Austria - [email protected]
Far-right file case against Austrian media for 'Nazi' claim
Identitäre Bewegung Österreich/Facebook

A right-wing xenophobic group who clashed with left-wing demonstrators at a protest in Vienna on Saturday are bringing a case against Austrian media after they described them as ‘neo-Nazis’ and ‘extremists’.

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The Austrian branch of the Identitarian movement - Identitäre Bewegung Österreich - took to the streets at the weekend in protest against refugees and immigrants, chanting slogans such as ‘Our Flag, Our Country’.

Between 800 and 1000 right-wing protesters from Austria, France, Germany and Italy clashed with a similar number of counter-protesters from anti-fascist and left-wing groups.

Before the march Identitäre had posted rules online for the participants to follow, including banning the showing of right-wing extremist tattoos and clothing.

Now the group say they are bringing a case against the ORF’s main evening news broadcast Zeit im Bild for describing them as right-wing extremists and neo-Nazis.

“Patriots faced violence and murder attempts while exercising their democratic rights, to only then be insulted by politicians and media as neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists,” said their spokesperson Patrick Lenart.

Following the march, one member of the right-wing group was arrested for alleged neo-Nazi propaganda activity.

Thirteen people were injured during the clashes between left and right-wingers, including four police.

Seven of the left-wing protesters - who started throwing rocks, fireworks and bottles - were arrested for a variety of public order offences.

The march was the latest in a run of protests organised by the right-wing group.

A few days earlier the Carinthian branch of the group had stormed into a lecture on asylum at a university in Klagenfurt dressed up in burkas and middle-ages costumes.

The group then proceeded to carrying out a pretend ‘stoning’ on a member who they said was dressed to represent an Austrian patriot.

Previous attacks have included throwing fake blood onto an audience watching a play performed by refugees, interrupting the play by unfurling a banner saying “multiculturalism kills”.

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