Titled "Hamburg's Interior Senator Wraps Up IZH Saga: "Time for Change"":
Senator of Hamburg's Interior Andy Grote described the nationwide raids against the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) and its affiliated institutions as a "hard blow." He remarked that IZH's time had "clearly run out," signaling the end of their presence in Hamburg. According to Grote, the more prompt the IZH's departure, the better for the city.
The searches conducted by authorities further substantiated the ongoing banning procedure against the center, which has been classified as Islamist by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution for years. Grote commended the Federal Ministry of the Interior's determination in pursuing the banning case, with expectations that the procedure will soon reach a conclusion.
In line with the police operations, the IZH's activities were deemed serious and extremist, necessitating increased police vigilance to curb similar groups emerging in Hamburg. The raids served to emphasize the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to addressing extremist organizations.
The enrichment data reveals that the IZH was closed down in November 2023 following an investigation by the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The probe revealed support for the terrorist group Hezbollah, antisemitic rhetoric, and efforts to export Iran's Islamic Revolution to Europe. These transgressions led to a ban as part of broader efforts to combat Iranian influence in Germany.
The Interior Senator, Grote, expressed satisfaction with the Federal Ministry of the Interior's actions as it champions his objective of ensuring that the mosque does not continue to serve as an extension of Iranian theocratic rule. He has set forth criteria for the mosque's future operation, emphasizing the importance of its functioning as a religious and cultural center, but without dependency on Tehran.
This stance underscores a widespread concern in Germany, which involves preventing foreign influence and upholding democratic principles within religious institutions. Grote strongly advocates maintaining control of the building and ensuring it conforms to the values of their democracy.
