Since 2021, the University of Vienna and the public have been aware of Professor Manoschek’s denial of the Srebrenica genocide.
ZARA Verein organization, has supported the action of the Institute for the research of genocide Canada (IGC) and sent a letter to the University of Vienna, warning that there is suspicion of incitement to hatred (§ 283 Abs1 Z3 StGB) under Austrian law in the publicly published content of Professor Manoschek.
The fact that the University of Vienna has not publicly distanced itself from the professor implies that it is condoning his denial of genocide. This is particularly worrying because universities are supposed to be centers of knowledge and critical thinking, where the pursuit of truth and the dissemination of accurate information should be paramount. Denial of genocide is a form of hate speech that can have grave consequences and can contribute to the perpetuation of violence and discrimination. Therefore, it is crucial for institutions of higher learning to take a firm stance against such harmful rhetoric.
Moreover, the fact that no media outlet in Austria has written about this issue is also concerning. The media has a crucial role to play in informing the public and holding those in positions of power accountable. The denial of genocide should be considered a serious issue, especially in a post-genocide society like Austria, where the effects of such atrocities are still being felt. The media’s failure to report on this issue is a missed opportunity to educate the public and bring attention to the dangers of genocide denial.
It is particularly concerning that denying a genocide in a post-genocide society like Austria is not worth mentioning in regard to the statement of austrian Chancellor Nehammer in which
he described the existence of a good part of austrian population as a result of a mistake. nehammer describes guest workers as mistake
We hereby invite Bosnian-Herzegovinian associations and private individuals in Austria to join the IGC’s action and make appropriate civil and legal steps.
