Detail News
25.06.2026
Presse opinion piece: DPI Deputy Director Haberl on the acquittal in the Vienna imam trial
The acquittal of a Viennese imam in a trial last week has sparked a broad public debate in recent days. While the court concluded that the criminal charges could not be sufficiently proven, the case also triggered a discussion about Political Islam.
In an op-ed in Die Presse, Ferdinand Haberl, deputy director of the Documentation Center Political Islam, explains why a clear distinction must be made between criminal adjudication and scholarly analysis.
A liberal constitutional state protects fundamental rights and freedoms and deliberately ties criminal convictions to high standards of proof. An acquittal is therefore an expression of the principles of the rule of law—not a sign of their weakness.
At the same time, criminal proceedings do not answer the question of which sociopolitical ideas, ideological currents, or networks are academically relevant and should be investigated. The Documentation Center Political Islam examines Political Islam as a social and political phenomenon. Academic analysis and criminal assessment serve different purposes — and should not be confused with one another.
Die Presse, 23.06.2026: Politischer Islam: Ein Freispruch ist keine Entwarnung
More articles
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07/16/2026DPI expert featured in the EUKH newsletter on Islamist populism
The EU Knowledge Hub (EUKH) newsletter provides monthly updates to interested parties on various topics relating to radicalisation and extremism. The Documentation Centre Political Islam (DPI) plays an active role in the European Commission’s platform. -
06/18/2026DPI Participates in the CERIF Conference in Paris with Two Presentations
On June 10, 2026, the Documentation Center Political Islam (DPI) participated in the second colloquium on “Islamism in Europe” organized by CERIF (European Center for Research and Information on Frérism) in Saint-Ouen, near Paris. -
06/18/2026Roundtable Discussion on Salzburg’s Integration Framework with DPI Director Fellhofer
As part of a fact-finding inquiry, the Salzburg State Parliament examined the new integration policy framework for the State of Salzburg. Lisa Fellhofer, director of the Documentation Center Political Islam (DPI), was also invited to speak. She gave a presentation on the topic “The Need for Action in Integration Policy with Regard to Political Islam.” -
06/08/2026DPI Director Fellhofer Discusses Current Challenges in an Interview with Presse, ÖIF, and Ö1
In late May and early June, Lisa Fellhofer, director of the Documentation Center on Political Islam (DPI), appeared at several public events and media appearances. The focus was on current challenges in the field of political Islam, issues of prevention, and developments in the European context. -
05/17/2026DPI Director Fellhofer in an interview with TT: Young women targeted by Islamist actors
Research by the Documentation Centre Political Islam (DPI) shows how religious extremist ideologies can fuel social polarisation. In an interview with Carmen Baumgartner-Pötz of the Tiroler Tageszeitung (TT), DPI Director Lisa Fellhofer discusses, among other things, radicalisation, social media, the relationship between moderate and Islamist forces, and the importance of a nuanced debate.