Germany took a significant step on Wednesday by banning the Hamburg Islamic Centre (IZH), an organization under scrutiny for its alleged support of Hezbollah and links to Iran. The ban follows months of investigation, with German authorities asserting that the centre promotes extremism and anti-constitutional objectives. This move has triggered a furious response from Tehran, highlighting the escalating tensions between Germany and Iran over the matter.
The Ban and Its Justifications
Germany’s Interior Ministry announced the ban on IZH, accusing it of masquerading as a purely religious organization while in reality pursuing a political agenda aligned with Tehran’s ideology. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated, “We banned [IZH], which promotes an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany.” The ministry described the group as a “direct representative of Iran’s supreme leader,” spreading Tehran’s aggressive and militant ideology.
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The ministry’s investigation revealed that IZH supports Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group designated as a terrorist organization by Germany in 2020. Additionally, IZH was accused of propagating antisemitism and seeking to establish an authoritarian, theocratic rule in Germany, contrary to democratic principles.
Tehran’s Furious Reaction
In response to the ban, Iran summoned Germany’s ambassador to Tehran to express strong objections. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned Germany’s action as “hostile” and “contrary to fundamental human rights principles,” labeling it an example of Islamophobia. The ministry praised the Hamburg Islamic Centre for its contributions to explaining Islamic teachings, promoting dialogue, religious tolerance, and combating extremism.
Extensive Raids and Seizures
The German government’s decision followed a series of raids on 53 properties linked to IZH across Germany, including the prominent Imam Ali Mosque in Hamburg. These raids, conducted last November, resulted in the seizure of numerous IT devices, cash, and documents with alleged links to Hezbollah and Hamas. This operation provided the evidence needed to justify the ban, according to the Interior Ministry.
Alongside IZH, the ban extends to several affiliated organizations, including four Shia mosques. Minister Faeser emphasized that the action targets extremist activities and not the peaceful practice of the Shia religion, drawing a clear distinction between the two.
Broader Implications
The ban on IZH has significant implications for Germany’s approach to combating extremism and maintaining constitutional order. The Hamburg Islamic Centre, founded in 1962, has long been under observation by German intelligence agencies. It was considered Iran’s most important representative in Germany apart from its embassy. The ban marks a decisive blow against what German authorities view as an outpost of the Iranian regime.
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The regional government of Hamburg welcomed the decision. Andy Grote, Hamburg’s interior minister, stated that the closure of this “outpost of the inhumane Iranian regime” is a significant victory against Islamist extremism. Germany’s main Jewish organization also supported the ban, with Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews, highlighting the threat posed by Iran’s proxies to democracy and social values.