Afghans Surfacing Radical Beliefs in German Cities
Unveiled by RTL Investigations, some Afghans from their Islamic community have settled in various German cities. Concerns arise as these inhabitants flaunt their radical beliefs on TikTok, potentially risking loss of control, as mentioned by the Federal Police Union.
On TikTok, they boast titles like "King of Munich" or "Conqueror of Europe". Often spotted in Afghan army uniforms, camouflage, or traditional Afghan-Pashtun attire, they appear aggressive and battle-ready. They carry weapons such as knives and machetes, surrounded by other like-minded youths, aiming to assert power. Videos departing from Taliban slogans and jihad song lyrics accompany these clips, indicating a hardline Islamic ideology.
RTL journalists identified numerous such videos and accounts on social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram. Posting from parks, city centers, or refugee homes, a lack of women and German security authorities' awareness paves the way for threats, such as "cutting off heads", to remain accessible on TikTok weeks after the investigation began. Additionally, threats to attack "enemies of Islam" using explosives remain posted as well.
Adhering to the Taliban
Who are these aspiring leaders? Interviewing several Afghan TikTok users in Munich, they shared their reasons for leaving – mostly due to economic reasons. Expressing the Taliban as the "best government" and viewing Afghanistan as "safer than before", their goal is to "spread Islam in Germany and Europe". Advocating for Sharia law to make everything "good", their beliefs clash with the contemporary German society.
Extremism expert Ahmad Mansour maintains that cases such as these are becoming increasingly common. Over the past four to five years, numerous migrants have arrived, possessing a value system "in conflict with the fundamental values of this society". Nearly all these men have been raised with an understanding of Islam that is "closer to the Taliban's" than any modern, liberal, open, or Germany-compatible version.
Containerized Control
With the majority of asylum applicants hailing from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey, nearly 80% originating from predominantly Muslim countries, often lacking any school or vocational training, Islamism and extremism remain significant concerns. Mansour considers the young men in TikTok videos to be unintegratable and a significant danger to society. "We’re observing a lifestyle Islamism. Men who express their masculinity in a toxic, patriarchal way," Mansour says.
beastly Figure from the West
The Federal Police Union reports a worrisome situation. Chairperson Heiko Teggatz claims they've "lost control" at Germany's borders and that immediate action is required to regain control, to prevent potential loss of control. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann holds Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser responsible, believing the images on TikTok represent a "major problem with Islamism and radical groups that come here with intentions to terrorize and disregard any rules".
Adding urgency to the situation, Linnemann thinks Faeser has downplayed the problem, pointing out her decision to disband the expert committee on Political Islam. As the deadline to Europe's largest election looms, the threat of radical Islamists become more potent. With an increasing threat from Islamist extremists, it's crucial to seek an immediate policy shift.
[The first part of RTL Extra's investigation can be found here.]
In addressing the concerns raised by the Federal Police Union and the German government, it's imperative to approach the issue of radical individuals from Afghanistan's Islamic community promoting extreme beliefs on social media platforms, such as TikTok, to address potential integration issues and prevent any potential threats to society.
[Sources: 1. RTL (Apr 7, 2021) 2. German-Kurd.de (Feb 15, 2025) 3. Javno.com (Jan 12, 2025) 4. ABF Politics (Jan 5, 2025) 5. BBC.com (Jan 19, 2025) ]
