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Germany Bans Islamic Centre Hamburg Over Radical Islamist Ties and Extremism
Germany’s Interior Ministry said on Wednesday, July 24, that it has banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) association and its subsidiary organizations, saying it pursues radical Islamist goals.
The ministry said in a statement that 53 of the organization’s premises had been searched by authorities in eight German states early on Wednesday, acting on a court order.
In addition to the Hamburg-based IZH, which includes one of the oldest mosques in Germany known for its turquoise exterior, its subgroups in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin were also banned. As a result, four Shiite mosques will be closed, said the ministry.
“Today, we banned the Islamisches Zentrum Hamburg, which promotes an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany,” said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. “This Islamist ideology is opposed to human dignity, women’s rights, an independent judiciary, and our democratic government.”
She said she wanted to make clear that “this ban absolutely does not apply to the peaceful practice of the Shiite religion.” The ministry said the IZH acted as a direct representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader and sought to bring about an Islamic revolution in Germany that would create theocratic rule. In addition, IZH promotes antisemitism and the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, which is also banned, it said. (JPost / VFI News)
“For all of them, midnight is their morning; they make friends with the terrors of darkness.” - Job 24:17