Grote still in favor of "prompt closure" after IZH raid

Title: Grote Stands Firm on IZH Closure After Raid Investigation

Over a month has passed since the raid on the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) as part of an investigation into its activities. And Berlin's Interior Senator, Andy Grote (SPD), remains steadfast in his call for 'prompt closure', a stance that hasn't wavered according to his ministry's spokesperson. This stance aligns with a resolution passed by the Conference of Interior Ministers in early December, emphasizing the urgency of combating Islamist organizations.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior, however, stayed reticent on the topic. A spokesperson stated that commenting on potential bans on associations might impair operational measures. The infamous November 16th raid saw law enforcement search 54 properties across seven federal states. In Hamburg alone, 31 warrants were executed, including the Blue Mosque, operated by the IZH, and other properties.

The IZH has been under the watchful eye of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution since the 1990s. For years, calls for its closure have echoed, yet little action has materialized so far. Last November, the Bundestag urged the government to consider a ban procedure, while the Hamburg Parliament requested the Berlin Senate to advocate for its closure in Berlin.

Following the raid, Grote declared his belief that the proceedings would lead to a swift conclusion and the IZH's closure. Tehran had previously congratulated Hamas on its Israel attacks, and the Federal Ministry of the Interior suspected that the IZH supported Hezbollah activities in Germany – activities prohibited in Germany. The IZH denies any wrongdoing, expressing confidence that the raid's results would clear its name.

Related Content:

Unraveling the IZH Controversy

Since its founding, the IZH, or the Blue Mosque, has been at the heart of controversy and legal battles in Germany. Here's a summary of the recent events and potential outcomes concerning the ban and closure of the IZH:

1. Banning Order and Closure:
2. In a historic decision, the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, now led by Nancy Faeser, issued a ban order for the IZH in July 2024, citing its support for Hezbollah, aggressive antisemitism, and issuing calls to create an Islamic version of Europe.
3. Legal Proceedings:
4. The IZH has lodged an appeal against the ban in the Federal Administrative Court. Expedited proceedings for key facilities in Frankfurt and Berlin are set to take place in the first quarter of 2025.
5. Investigative Findings:
6. In a pre-ban investigation, 800 police officers raided 55 properties nationwide, seizing terabytes of data. Investigations concluded that the IZH supported Hezbollah, propagated antisemitism, and sought to export Iran's Islamic Revolution.
7. Mosque Future:
8. Grote suggested that the Blue Mosque could continue to serve as a religious and cultural center, but under strict control and free from Tehran's influence.
9. Alternative Proposals:
10. Various groups, including Schura Hamburg, proposed alternative futures for the mosque, such as incorporating it into a new Shia association that would ensure independence from foreign influence.
11. Deportation Orders:
12. Former IZH head Seyed Mousavifar was deported to Iran in 2022 for suspected links to Hezbollah, marking a major step in curbing Iran's influence in Germany.
13. Public Opinion:
14. The ban was met with mixed reactions. Iran condemned the ban as cultural oppression, while some German politicians echoed support for the crackdown, recognizing the difficulties faced by the displaced congregation.

The intricate tangle of circumstances surrounding the IZH's future and the ban's legality remains complex. The outcome of this legal battle will likely determine who manages the mosque, if the ban is upheld, and how the Muslim community in Germany will move forward.