Austria bans headscarves in schools for under-14s

Thomas Plamberger has been charged with manslaughter following the tragic death of his girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, who froze to death while they attempted to climb Austria's tallest mountain during winter, despite her lack of experience. The incident raises serious questions about the decision-making and safety measures taken during such perilous activities.

Austria's lower house of parliament has passed a law prohibiting headscarves in schools for girls under the age of 14, a move that has drawn criticism from rights groups who view it as discriminatory amid rising anti-immigration sentiments in the country.

Austria's parliament has voted to ban headscarves for girls under the age of 14 in schools, a decision that has sparked significant debate and concern regarding its implications for social cohesion and the treatment of Muslim communities. The law was passed by a conservative-led government despite fears it may exacerbate Islamophobia and could face challenges in the constitutional court.

Iceland has announced its decision to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Austria, becoming the fifth country to do so after the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to participate amid ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the conflict in Gaza.