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Austria Ends Cooperation with Organization over Alleged Links to the Muslim Brotherhood
The Austrian government has decided to end its cooperation with DERAD, an organization specializing in countering extremism, following an assessment by the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence that identified indications of ideological proximity between some of its employees and the Muslim Brotherhood.
DERAD is part of Austria’s National Network for the Prevention and Countering of Extremism. Since launching its activities in 2015, the organization has provided support to young people influenced by jihadist ideology, as well as individuals convicted of or suspected of involvement in terrorism-related cases.
The newspaper *Der Standard* reported that the State Security Directorate had expressed concerns that, rather than guiding participants toward moderate Islamic views, DERAD’s programs could potentially steer them closer to radical Islamist ideologies. Nevertheless, the agency acknowledged that the organization had achieved positive results in helping some young people distance themselves from jihadist beliefs.
According to information published so far, there is no publicly available evidence establishing the nature or extent of any links between DERAD and the Muslim Brotherhood. Nor have any criminal charges been publicly brought against the organization or its employees. Despite this, the federal government proceeded with plans to end its cooperation with DERAD.
The Interior Ministry is preparing to request the organization’s removal from the National Network for the Prevention and Countering of Extremism, while the Justice Ministry has decided to stop using the services of its extremism-prevention center. Other authorities that have previously cooperated with DERAD were also informed of the information gathered by the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence.
In Vienna, the municipal department responsible for children and youth affairs suspended its cooperation with DERAD, despite the organization’s long-standing cooperation with the state of Vienna. Other bodies, including the Center for Extremism Prevention Counseling and Neustart, are expected to take over some of DERAD’s responsibilities.
DERAD has categorically denied any ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, asserting that it warns against extremist Islamist movements through its publications, workshops, and communications with official authorities.
According to the organization’s data, around 800 people have participated in its counter-extremism programs, while approximately 200 former and current Islamists are currently receiving support through its deradicalization initiatives. DERAD employs 13 staff members and receives funding of approximately €1 million spread over five years, according to Austria’s public broadcaster ORF.
Daniel Schmitzberger, head of the Juvenile Delinquency Law Group at the Association of Judges, said he had not heard of any documented problems involving DERAD employees. He warned that suspending the organization’s activities could result in the loss of a significant portion of the support services provided to teenagers and young people.
