In a decisive move, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced on Wednesday the ban of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) due to its promotion of extremist ideologies.
The renowned “Blue Mosque” is currently being searched by police as part of the enforcement action.
Minister Faeser emphasized the distinction between targeting a religion and acting against a specific group accused of undermining the German state and women’s rights.
“It is very important to me to make a clear distinction here: we are not acting against a religion,” Faeser stated.
The Imam Ali Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, is one of Germany’s oldest mosques and is managed by the IZH.
According to Germany’s domestic intelligence services, the IZH is perceived as an extension of the Iranian regime and holds considerable influence over several mosques and associations.
Faeser revealed that the IZH has been investigated for “spreading aggressive antisemitism.” Raids conducted in November uncovered evidence linking the group to Hezbollah, leading to the current ban.
The Interior Ministry’s statement highlighted that the Hamburg Islamic Centre and its affiliated organizations have been banned across Germany for pursuing anti-constitutional objectives and spreading Iranian revolutionary ideas in an aggressive and militant manner.
The ban led to searches at 53 properties associated with the IZH. Institutions in Bremen, Bavaria, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hesse, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Berlin are also under investigation.
Four mosques have been shut down in connection with these actions.
In 2020, Germany banned the Hezbollah group, which is supported by Iran. Last year, the Interior Ministry accused the IZH of acting against constitutional order and supporting the terrorist organization Hezbollah.
