Police Swarm Blue Mosque in Hamburg Raid
A sizable police force descended upon the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) and its iconic Blue Mosque early Thursday morning, causing quite a stir among morning joggers and cyclists. The scene was set with over 30 police vehicles parked around the Alster mosque, accompanied by officers in helmets who cordoned off the premises. Generally, the atmosphere remained calm, with the operation's purpose sparking curiosity among residents in the area.
The investigation stretched beyond the Blue Mosque, as German authorities carried out searches at over 50 additional properties in seven federal states linked to the IZH and its associated institutions.
Over the years, the IZH has come under the scrutiny of Germany's Office for the Protection of the Constitution, who classify it as an Islamist organization with Iranian control. Many perceive it as an extension of Tehran's influence in Europe.
While the raid and subsequent searches were not limited to the Blue Mosque, the heightened police presence was crucial to maintain order and prevent any escalation of extremist activities.
In connection with the ban proceedings against the IZH and its associated institutions, the authorities alleged links to Hezbollah and Iranian-backed activities. The investigation also uncovered allegations of spreading propaganda, supporting Hezbollah, and potentially radicalizing individuals. The crackdown was reportedly accelerated by the Gaza war and involved the detention of several key suspects, including Hassan M, the heart of the network, and Fadel R, a trained Hezbollah operative accused of facilitating the preaching of Shiite Muslim clerics in community mosques and Islamic centers.
For years, the German authorities had been monitoring the Blue Mosque and IZH, suspecting it of serving as an Iranian outpost for supporting Hezbollah's actions. The mosque's deputy head, Seyed Mousavifar, was deported to Iran due to alleged links to Hezbollah. The raids followed a months-long intelligence crackdown, and the German Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, eventually banned the Islamic Center of Hamburg, leading to the closure of the Blue Mosque's gates and searches of 53 properties across Germany.
[1] The National,
