In a recent statement, SOS Mitmensch has voiced clear criticism of the FPÖ's reaction to a published dossier. This list documents over 200 of the party's right-wing extremist connections. According to SOS Mitmensch, the FPÖ is trying to distract from its deep involvement in right-wing extremist circles by making false claims and defending the right-wing extremist "Identitarians". FPÖ General Secretary Hafenecker in particular, who has direct connections to right-wing extremist scenes, is resorting to obviously false statements in order to stir up sentiment against the dossier.
A video statement by Hafenecker on Facebook in which he defends the "Identitarians" against criticism and dismisses the SOS Mitmensch dossier as compiled from press releases has been rejected as false by the human rights organization. In fact, the dossier contains detailed evidence of over 200 cases of right-wing extremism within the FPÖ. Some of these cases even concern Hafenecker himself, including his appearances with people classified as right-wing extremists and his connections to right-wing extremist media and meetings.
SOS Mitmensch describes the FPÖ's attacks on the dossier as a diversionary tactic. Instead of dealing with the documented facts, Hafenecker and party chairman Kickl resort to false statements and defense of right-wing extremist groups. According to SOS Mitmensch, this behavior shows a lack of democratic maturity among the FPÖ representatives.
SOS Mitmensch calls for a serious examination of the FPÖ's right-wing extremist connections listed in the dossier and criticizes the party's attempts to distract from these connections. It remains to be seen how the FPÖ will react to the accusations and revelations and whether it will be willing to engage in a constructive discussion of the problem of right-wing extremism in its own ranks.
An article from www.ots.at shows how the human rights organization SOS Mitmensch sharply criticizes the FPÖ. The dossier on the party's right-wing extremist connections shows that the FPÖ's reaction to false claims and defenses by right-wing extremist groups is an attempt to distract from its own role in right-wing extremist circles.
Source: die-nachrichten.at
