New Year’s Muslim baby receives ‘violent’ abuse online

A New Year's baby has received "violent" abuse online after being born to an Austrian Muslim couple.

The baby girl, named Asel, was welcomed by her parents just after midnight on January 1, 2018. ABC News reports that, as per Austrian tradition, the baby and her parents had their picture taken for local media. However, when the image of the happy family was posted on Facebook, the newborn received many racist and hateful comments. Local newspaper Heute reported that "I'm hoping for a sudden child death" and "shovel the scum immediately" were among the comments left beneath the photo. Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen has taken to Facebook to condemn those posting hateful messages and to share his congratulations to the couple. He wrote:

"Confidence and cohesion are greater than hatred and incitement. Welcome, dear Asel!"

He also followed this up with a quote saying: "All people are born free and equal to dignity and rights".