Israeli Adviser Behind Anti-Semitic Political Campaign in Austria

Campaign masterminded by controversial political adviser Tal Silberstein is accused of breaching anti-Nazi laws

6 October 2017

THE TIMES OF ISRAEL (AP) — Ahead of national elections, Austria’s Social Democratic Party is facing charges of violating anti-Nazi laws over Facebook platforms created by an Israeli adviser suggesting that a rival party’s head has anti-Semitic sentiments. …

Israeli political adviser Tal Silberstein has acknowledged being behind the Facebook platforms. Both he and Social Democratic Chancellor Christian Kern say that Kern was not aware of them. …

The Social Democrats fired Silberstein in August after Israeli authorities arrested him on suspicion of money laundering, obstruction of justice, bribery, and related crimes.

Tal Silberstein was one of four suspects arrested in Israel following a joint investigation with Swiss and American authorities. […]