Austria’s president was forced to intervene after the first baby born in the country in 2018 was subjected to online abuse when it emerged the new-born’s parents were Muslim.
President Alexander Van der Bellen on Saturday welcomed baby girl, Asel, when she was born in the early hours of New Year’s Day in Vienna.
“Welcome, Dear Asel!” Van der Bellen wrote in a Facebook post, adding to those who left abusive messages that “all men are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” and speaking out against “hatred and agitation.”
After being named “the first Viennese baby” of the year, with her photo appearing in local media — her mother, who was wearing a hijab, alongside her father, baby Asel Tamga received hundreds of Islamophobic comments on social media.
“I’m hoping for a cot death,” one user wrote on Heute news’ Facebook page, it reported.
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Austrian president defends country’s New Year baby from Islamophobic abuse
Austrian president defends country’s New Year baby from Islamophobic abuse
Six injured, two critical, in knife attack at Antwerp Kurdish demo
- Authorities arrested four people and all victims were taken to hospital
BRUSSELS: Belgian police said Thursday six people were injured, including two critically, in a knife attack at a Kurdish demonstration taking place near the Opera House in the city of Antwerp.
Authorities arrested four people and all victims were taken to hospital, Antwerp police spokesman, Wouter Bruyns told AFP. The motive for the attack was yet to be determined.
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