Opinion: Austria's anti-terror laws are turning journalism about Palestine into a crime

The case of the Palestinian journalist Mustafa Ayyash shows how Austria's expanding use of anti-terror legislation is blurring the line between journalism, political expression and alleged support for, or membership of, a proscribed organisation. Ayyash, the founder of the news network Gaza Now, has been held in pre-trial detention in Austria since November 2025. His case raises broader questions about how provisions of the Austrian criminal code are being interpreted and applied in relation to Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza. In Austria, you do not necessarily have to formally join a criminal or terrorist organisation or take part in its actions to be investigated as a member. Under Section 278 of the criminal code, it is enough that the person knew their actions were furthering the organisation or its crimes. Read more: Austria's anti-terror laws are turning journalism about Palestine into a crime Opinion by Klaudia Wieser and Mohammad Aburous A man holds a Palestinian flag beside a sign reading 'Do not give up Gaza' during a protest in Vienna on 12 May 2026 (Radek Mica/AFP)