FPÖ warns: IS returnees are ticking time bombs for Austria!

FPÖ warns: IS returnees are ticking time bombs for Austria!

FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz expresses sharp criticism of the return campaign of IS returnees to Austria. He describes these people as “ticking time bombs,” regardless of gender or role in the Islamic State. In his opinion, it is irresponsible to bring back people who have joined IS. He calls for the revocation of Austrian citizenship for such individuals and describes the actions of the ÖVP under its interior minister as promoting illegal immigration.

Schnedlitz also calls for a law banning political Islam and advocates a “Fortress Austria” to ensure the security of the population. He sees the repatriation of IS returnees as a “slap in the face of the Austrians” and as a mockery of the victims of Islamist attacks. The trial against the Viennese “Islamist bride” Evelyn T. is also taking place today; Their pre-trial detention has been extended due to the risk of committing crimes and fleeing, which further underlines the risk situation.

Return of IS fighters to Europe

The return of former IS fighters to Europe poses a serious security risk, experts warn. Terror researcher Nicolas Stockhammer emphasizes that after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, there is a risk of an uncontrolled return of IS fighters. There are currently around 9,000 fighters, including around 2,000 foreigners, held in Kurdish prisons in Syria, further complicating the situation. Islamism expert Guido Steinberg sheds light on the risks arising from the repatriation of these people. A particularly explosive issue is the possible radicalization of the children of IS fighters, who could also return.

According to the Austrian Foreign Ministry, fewer than ten people with Austrian citizenship are in camps in Syria. Of these, around half are children. The debate about the repatriation of Maria G. and her children testifies to the challenges that the authorities face in ensuring the safety of the population.

Long-term risks of returnees

A look at developments in Germany shows that over 970 people have traveled to Iraq and Syria to fight for “IS” since 2012. Around a third of these people have now returned. Returnees could pose a long-term threat, particularly if they have been ideologically indoctrinated or trained militarily. In addition, IS could be planning targeted attacks in Western countries.

The security authorities are required to collect and evaluate information about these returnees in order to prevent future terrorist attacks. International cooperation is essential because terrorism is a transnational phenomenon. While the Schengen area facilitates freedom of movement, it also poses a security challenge as the exchange of information between member states needs to be improved.

In order to be able to respond to the current challenges, it is important that security authorities adapt to new trends and increasingly rely on prevention and de-radicalization measures in order to reduce the potential of the violent Islamist scene in the long term. The ethical and security policy debate about returning to values ​​and norms and dealing with the past remains in focus.

For further information on the issues of returnees and terrorism you can read the reporting from OTS, The press and bpb read.