Man jailed for Nazi propaganda in Austria

VIENNA

A man from western Austria on Tuesday was sentenced to nine years in prison for conducting Nazi propaganda.

The Innsbruck Regional Court in the Tyrol province stated in a written statement that Manuel E., a 38-year-old musician, was identified as the founder of a neo-Nazi music group.

The court revealed that the musician had attended numerous racist and Nazi gatherings across Europe, used candles with swastikas during his child's baptism ceremony, and shared banned books containing Nazi propaganda with his close circle.

Nazi propaganda is classified as "very dangerous" in Austria.

The musician is a well-known figure in neo-Nazi formations throughout Europe, according to the court report.

It is also reported that he was linked to the well-known neo-Nazi Gottfried Kussel, who was sentenced several times to prison for Nazi propaganda and violent acts, despite living in the state of Tyrol, 400 kilometers (248 miles) from the capital Vienna.

Manuel E. denied the charges brought by the prosecution and the court, arguing that he was well aware of the law prohibiting the revival of Nazi ideology and did not act contrary to it, but the court's decision remained unchanged.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Muhammed Yasin Gungor in Istanbul