Austria’s Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (Social Democratic Party of Austria) has caused surprise at a press conference by claiming she “does not know Antifa as such” and “sees no basis for a ban.”
When asked whether classifying Antifa as a terrorist organization could be considered in Austria, Sporrer paused before replying, “I don’t know Antifa as such, so I believe that you can’t classify an organization that doesn’t exist as such as a terrorist group.”
Even after follow-up questions, the minister maintained that her department has no grounds to act against “an unorganized, unregistered group.”
She pointed out that Austrian law defines terrorism with strict criteria targeting clearly structured organizations.
The question arose following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to designate Antifa as a “major terrorist organization” in the United States.
Trump also stated he would recommend thorough investigations into those financing Antifa under the highest legal standards.
Antifa has recently made headlines in Austria after vandalizing a memorial for Iryna Zarutska and Charlie Kirk. Violent incidents at left-wing demonstrations organized by Antifa-affiliated groups have also been reported in Vienna and Graz over the past months.
