German climate activist banned from living in Austria over protests

A prominent German climate activist has been issued with a two-year ban from living in Austria, dpa learnt on Monday.

Anja Windl, a 28-year-old psychology student who has lived in Austria since 2017, poses a "significant threat to public order and security," according to a letter from the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) seen by dpa.

The agency said Windl's participation in recent protests - including one outside the headquarters of the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) in January - proved her "massively querulous tendencies."

The activist was accused of writing the phrase "You stink of brown shit" on the ÖVP property in protest at the party's talks with the far-right Freedom Party of Austria over the formation of a coalition.

In German-speaking countries, brown is the colour associated with fascism, as the Nazis wore brown shirts and ties.

The BFA also argued that Windl had demonstrated her "far-left motivations" by claiming to feed documents from Austrian authorities and courts to farm animals.

Windl intends to lodge an appeal with the Federal Administrative Court within the four-week deadline.

"I will not be intimidated," she told dpa. "In times of burgeoning fascism and a burning world, peaceful protest is necessary."

Windl became well known in Austria for taking part in sit-in blockades and other protests as a member of the Austrian branch of the Last Generation climate movement.

According to the BFA, the student has been detained more than 10 times for administrative offences, resulting in significant fines.

As she was unable to pay the fines, Windl said she has served nine weeks in prison in 2024 and 2025, and was only able to avoid further time behind bars thanks to donations.

However, her lawyer, Ralf Niederhammer, told dpa that Windl has never been convicted of a criminal offence in Austria.

Criminal investigations into Windl and other members of the Last Generation are still ongoing, including on suspicion of criminal association and property damage, he added.