An inconspicuous basement mosque in Vienna would serve as a hub for radical Islamist networks. Time and again, their visitors, such as the Viennese attacker Kujtim F. or other extremists, were targeted by the authorities. Now the Islamic religious community plans to dismantle the mosque – a move intended to put an end to the radical activities.
Research by the online magazine “ZackZack” is currently causing a stir in Vienna. In the middle: an inconspicuous cellar door in Vienna-Josefstadt with the inscription “En-Nasiha”. Every Friday men gather there to pray. But the mosque is increasingly being targeted by the authorities: it is considered a meeting place for radical Islamist circles.
“Terror Teen” came and went here
The focus is on 18-year-old Ali K., who regularly visited the mosque. In September 2023, he was arrested after calling off a planned attack on Vienna’s Central Station at the last minute. K. was sentenced to two years in prison, but was released on parole in the spring, but was recently arrested again for terrorist propaganda.
Connections with radical networks?
The mosque is no stranger to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution: more than ten years ago it was already a point of contact for known jihadists. Mohammed Mahmoud, later a leading member of IS, appeared here, as did Mirsad Omerovic alias Ebu Tejma, who radicalized dozens in Vienna.
Today, Adem Demirovic runs the mosque, who is said to have ties to radical networks in Bosnia and the Sanjak.
Osama bin Laden quotes: hate speech against minorities
Particularly explosive: a Telegram group with around 1,600 members is said to be closely connected to the mosque. Here you will find not only invitations to events, but also extremist content, including quotes from terrorists such as Osama bin Laden and hate speech against minorities. The role of the mosque in this network remains unclear; questions that “ZackZack” formulated to the association have so far remained unanswered.
IGGÖ plans a decisive blow
The Islamic Religious Community (IGGÖ) is now considering dissolving the mosque community. The first steps to this end were already taken before the summer. If the mosque were to lose its status, it would be a decisive blow to this radical infrastructure – although the Ministry of the Interior would also be called upon to do so.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
