Imam tried in Vienna for supporting Hamas – 2014 sermon used as evidence
An Austrian citizen of Egyptian origin is facing trial in Vienna after allegedly expressing support for Hamas in a sermon from 2014.
Imam charged in Vienna: sermon alleged to demonstrate Hamas support
An Austrian citizen of Egyptian origin must answer charges before a Vienna court, according to bvz.at. The man initially preached in Graz before later preaching in Vienna.
At the centre of the charges is a sermon from 2014, which the imam delivered in Vienna-Leopoldstadt and subsequently published on YouTube. According to the prosecution, he allegedly said in it: "And (remember) the leaders at their head – the leaders of Hamas, of the jihad brigades and of the resistance – they sacrifice themselves for Allah, in pursuit of Allah's favour. The enemy, the Zionist entity, believes it can break their resolve, but no, never!"
The accused was active as a preacher both in Styria and in the capital. The publication of the speech on the internet allegedly enabled the spread of its contents beyond the original circle of listeners.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)