In a new report, the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination expressed ‘serious concerns’ regarding the human rights situation in Austria for Christians. They found a ‘very high’ incidence of vandalism and burglary at Christian sites and denounced widespread anti-Christian discrimination and abuses against freedom of expression, assembly and conscientious objection. Dr. Gudrun Kugler, the director of the Observatory, told Breitbart News that in recent years there has been a shift both in public policy and the reigning popular mentality that has made life for Christians increasingly difficult. ‘Ever more restrictive laws are squeezing religious freedom, while society itself is growing more and more intolerant of biblical Christianity,’ she said. The many instances of desecration include destroying crucifixes, candle holders, paintings and statues; plus arson and burglary and graffiti such as ‘death to priests’ scrawled on walls. The Observatory criticised the use of Austria’s stalking laws to prevent prayer in front of abortion clinics, a move upheld by the state court of Graz, Styria.