Red alarm level: Amnesty warns of freedom of expression in Austria!

Red alarm level: Amnesty warns of freedom of expression in Austria!

Amnesty International has shown alarming trends worldwide in her latest annual report on the human rights situation. In Austria, there is a serious decline in freedom of expression, especially in the context of the dissolution of a Palestine protest camp at the University of Vienna. The organization emphasizes that activists from the climate movement are increasingly criminalized and a dangerous narrative arises that categorizes protests as criminal. These developments are not only limited, but also represent a threat to fundamental rights in Europe, such as OE24 reported.

Amnesty also criticizes the practice of applying "primary prison sentences" in administrative criminal law without prior trial. These measures are perceived as an inadmissible restriction of freedom of assembly and expression. The organization urgently demands an urgent procedure to contest assembly bans and to preserve the status quo of freedom of expression in Austria.

global developments and steps

While progress is made in individual areas, a \ “democratic recession \” is spoken in the global context. Terms such as \ “Regression \” and \ “Wave of AutoCratisung \” characterize the current state of democracy. Allegations of civil society commitment are often suppressed by governments, which leads to a phenomenon called \ “Shrinking Civic Spaces \” that also affects Austria. According to bpb , this trend is shown in the delegitimization of NGOs, which are referred to as \ "foreign agents \", as well as in Administrative Harassment against civil society actors.

The restrictions also include restrictions on the freedom of assembly and the possibility of Financing NGOs abroad. These steps are not only considered to be violations of human rights, but also make social participation more difficult in democratic processes. Progress in combating violence against women and a positive national action plan are opposed, but the pressure on activists in the climate movement remains exceptionally high.

claims and initiatives

Amnesty International also addressed defects in Austrian social assistance, whereby the existing Basic Social Welfare Act is classified as an contrary to human rights. The need for minimum rates and the elimination of artificial differences between different population groups are central demands. When combating femicides that enjoy the highest priority with 27 registered cases in 2024, an expansion of the violence clocks is required.

according to Institute for Human Rights is the security of human rights defenders of crucial importance. At the international level, these are often exposed to defamation, threats and violence. They need special protection and visibility in many countries. The social cohesion and the ability to cope with conflict, especially in such critical times, turn to civil society actors who are committed to human rights.

Amnesty International is concerned about the inadequate regulations on climate finance and the lack of a binding climate protection law at the Austrian level. Committedly demanding a stronger political answer to the climate crisis, which is considered a fundamental human right. Despite the global challenges, there is a need to conduct open debates about political and economic visions in order to strengthen civil society and to expand freedom of maneuver for human rights activities.