Germany's Interior Ministry Nancy Faeser announced on Wednesday that it banned the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) and its subsidiary organizations, accusing the group of pursuing radical Islamist goals. As a result of the ban, four Shiite mosques will be closed. The move comes as part of a broader crackdown on extremist activities in the country.
According to Reuters, authorities conducted early morning raids on 53 premises across eight German states, acting on a court order. The ban affects not only the Hamburg-based IZH, which includes one of Germany's oldest mosques known for its distinctive turquoise exterior, but also its subgroups in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin.
Germany has banned the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) and currently taking action against the associated Blue Mosque in Hamburg.
It's considered extremist and an arm of lslamic regime in Germany. pic.twitter.com/8qqXWPyBgT
— Azat (@AzatAlsalim) July 24, 2024
Faeser explained the reasoning behind the ban, stating, "Today, we banned the Islamisches Zentrum Hamburg, which promotes an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany. This Islamist ideology is opposed to human dignity, women's rights, an independent judiciary, and our democratic government."
The ministry alleges that the IZH acted as a direct representative of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and sought to bring about an Islamic revolution in Germany that would create theocratic rule. Additionally, the organization is accused of promoting antisemitism and supporting Hezbollah, a terrorist group that is also banned in Germany. The ministry's decision to ban the IZH was based on evidence gathered during a previous search of 55 properties conducted in November.
Faeser emphasized that the ban is specifically targeted at extremist activities and not intended to restrict religious freedom. "This ban absolutely does not apply to the peaceful practice of the Shiite religion," she clarified.
