Germany Bans “Islamic Center Hamburg” and Its Affiliates
In a significant move against Islamist extremism, German Ministry of the Interior has announced the ban of the “Islamic Center Hamburg” (IZH) and its nationwide affiliated organizations. This decision, implemented on July 24, 2024, marks a crucial step in Germany’s ongoing efforts to combat extremist ideologies and protect its democratic values.
The Ban and Its Scope
The ban extends to several organizations associated with the IZH, including:
- The “Islamic Academy Germany”
- The “Association of Supporters of an Iranian-Islamic Mosque in Hamburg”
- The “Center of Islamic Culture” in Frankfurt (Main)
- The “Islamic Association Bavaria” in Munich
- The “Islamic Center Berlin”
As part of the ban, the assets of these organizations have been confiscated. To enforce this decision and investigate potential further structures, authorities conducted searches in 53 locations across eight federal states: Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria.
This action follows a previous operation on November 16, 2023, where searches were carried out in 55 locations across seven federal states. The evidence gathered during these earlier raids was thoroughly analyzed, providing the basis for today’s ban.
Reasons Behind the Ban
The German government’s decision to ban the IZH and its affiliates is rooted in several serious concerns:
1. Promotion of Extremist Ideology
The IZH has been identified as an extremist Islamist organization pursuing goals that are hostile to the constitution. Minister Faeser stated that the IZH propagates an “Islamist, totalitarian ideology in Germany.” This ideology is fundamentally at odds with core democratic values, including human dignity, women’s rights, an independent judiciary, and the democratic state itself.
2. Support for Terrorist Organizations
One of the most alarming aspects of the IZH’s activities is its support for the terrorist organization Hezbollah. Despite Hezbollah being banned in Germany since 2020, the IZH has continued to support and promote its activities.
3. Antisemitism
The IZH has been accused of spreading aggressive antisemitism among its followers, further contributing to its classification as an extremist organization.
4. Ties to Iranian Leadership
The investigation revealed that the IZH acts as a direct representative of Iran’s “Supreme Revolutionary Leader” in Germany. It actively spreads the ideology of the so-called “Islamic Revolution” in an aggressive manner, aiming to implement it within Germany.
5. Promotion of Theocratic Rule
Instead of supporting the free democratic basic order protected by the German Constitution, the IZH and its affiliated organizations advocate for the establishment of an authoritarian-theocratic rule.
The IZH’s Covert Operations
One of the most concerning aspects of the IZH’s activities is its highly covert approach. The organization has attempted to present itself as a tolerant and purely religious institution without any political agenda or affiliations. However, the investigations have conclusively shown that the IZH’s activities extend far beyond the religious sphere.
As a representative of Iran’s “Supreme Revolutionary Leader,” the IZH consistently and categorically implements the political directive to export the “Islamic Revolution.” The leader of the IZH has been explicitly instructed by the “Supreme Revolutionary Leader” to “work intensively and unwaveringly for the foundations of the revolution without compromising”.
The IZH’s rhetoric suggests that human rights and democracy are merely pretexts used to suppress the spread of the “Islamic Revolution.” This stance clearly indicates the organization’s opposition to the fundamental principles of a free and democratic society.
Impact on Shia Muslim Community
It’s crucial to note that this ban is specifically targeted at the extremist activities of the IZH and its affiliates, not at the Shia Muslim community as a whole. Minister Faeser emphasized this point, stating:
“It is very important to me to make a clear distinction: We are not acting against a religion. We clearly distinguish between Islamists, against whom we take tough action, and the many Muslims who belong to our country and practice their faith. The peaceful Shia practice of faith and religion is expressly not affected by our ban.”
The ban will result in the closure of four Shia mosques. However, it’s estimated that there are between 150 and 200 Shia communities in Germany, indicating that the vast majority of Shia Muslims in Germany will not be directly affected by this action.
Germany’s Approach to Extremism
This ban is part of Germany’s broader strategy to combat extremism in all its forms. The Federal Ministry of the Interior issues bans solely based on a professional assessment of the threat, regardless of religion, confession, or branch of faith. What matters is the concrete actions and public appearance of an organization.
In the past, Germany has banned both Sunni and Shia-oriented associations in the field of Islamist extremism. This balanced approach underscores Germany’s commitment to targeting extremist ideologies rather than specific religious groups.
“Islamic Center Hamburg” (IZH) – More Facts and Figures on Islamist Extremism and Terrorism in Germany
Islamist Extremism in Germany
Islamist extremism in Germany is a multifaceted threat, encompassing various groups and ideologies. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) monitors several currents of Islamist extremism, including Salafism, jihadist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, and legalist movements such as those associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and Shia organizations like the IZH.
Salafism
Salafism, a literalist interpretation of Islam, has been a growing concern. The Salafist scene in Germany is currently in a “consolidation phase,” with fragmented leadership and a low public profile. Despite this, the ideology remains a significant threat due to its fundamental opposition to democratic values.
Jihadist Groups
Jihadist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda continue to pose a significant threat. These groups use Germany as a safe haven for their activities abroad and have followers who are focused on their regions of origin, committing acts of violence primarily outside Germany.
Legalist Groups
Legalist movements, including those close to the Muslim Brotherhood and the Millî Görüş movement, aim to impose an order they consider in conformity with Islam. These groups seek to permeate society and establish a system based on sharia law.
Terrorism Statistics in Germany and Europe
It is important to clarify the risk by islamistic extremism for Germany in comparison to other European countries. Here, throughout the past years the risk has risen tremendously in Germany. While other countries with their colonialist history have other root causes to African states, Germany has witnessed a significant shift in islamism since the so-called “refugee crisis” in the mid 2010s.
Germany
Germany has faced a persistent threat from Islamist extremism. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Islamist-motivated international terrorism remains the greatest threat to Germany’s security. In recent years, Germany has experienced several terrorist attacks and foiled numerous plots. For instance, in 2021, Germany reported three terrorist attacks and 34 terrorism-related arrests.
Europe
Across the European Union, the threat of Islamist extremism varies by country. Europol’s annual terrorism situation and trend report provides a comprehensive overview of terrorist attacks and arrests in the EU. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of terrorist attacks in the EU has fluctuated, with a significant decrease in recent years. In 2021, there were 15 terrorist incidents in the EU, with France experiencing the highest number of attacks (5), followed by Germany (3) and Sweden.
Comparative Risk Assessment – There’s more than the “Islamic Center Hamburg” (IZH)
To assess whether Germany is more endangered by Islamist extremism than other EU countries, it’s essential to consider various factors, including the number of attacks, arrests, and the overall threat environment.
Ranking of Risk for Islamist Extremism in the EU
Based on the available data, here is a ranking of EU countries by the risk of Islamist extremism, considering the number of attacks and arrests in recent years:
- France: France consistently reports the highest number of terrorist attacks and arrests related to Islamist extremism. In 2021, France had 5 attacks and 140 terrorism-related arrests.
- Germany: Germany follows closely, with a significant number of attacks and arrests. In 2021, Germany reported 3 attacks and 34 terrorism-related arrests.
- Spain: Spain has also faced a considerable threat, with 1 attack and 47 terrorism-related arrests in 2021.
- Belgium: Belgium reported 1 attack and 32 terrorism-related arrests in 2021.
- Italy: Italy had 40 terrorism-related arrests in 2021, indicating a notable threat level.
- Netherlands: The Netherlands reported 17 terrorism-related arrests in 2021.
- Austria: Austria experienced 1 attack and 24 terrorism-related arrests in 2021.
- Sweden: Sweden reported 2 attacks and 3 terrorism-related arrests in 2021.
- Denmark: Denmark had 1 attack and 9 terrorism-related arrests in 2021.
- Other EU Countries: Other countries like Hungary, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, and Romania reported lower numbers of attacks and arrests, indicating a relatively lower risk.
Ban on “Islamic Center Hamburg” (IZH) – important step but more challenges ahead
The ban on the Islamic Center Hamburg and its affiliates represents a significant development in Germany’s ongoing efforts to combat extremism and protect its democratic values. By taking action against an organization that promotes an anti-democratic ideology, supports terrorist groups, and spreads antisemitism, the German government has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining a free and open society.
However, this action also highlights the complex challenges faced by democratic societies in balancing security concerns with religious freedoms. The careful distinction made between targeting extremist ideologies and respecting the rights of law-abiding religious communities is crucial in maintaining social cohesion and upholding democratic principles.
As Germany continues to navigate these challenges, it will be important to monitor the impacts of this ban, both in terms of its effectiveness in combating extremism and its broader societal implications. The coming months and years will reveal whether this action marks a turning point in Germany’s fight against Islamist extremism or if it represents just one step in an ongoing struggle to protect democratic values in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Ultimately, the ban on the IZH serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to protect democratic institutions and values. It underscores the need for continued efforts to promote integration, combat extremism in all its forms, and foster a society that respects diversity while maintaining a commitment to core democratic principles.
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