Major Crackdown on Islamist Groups
Germany's police forces and state security investigators staged a massive operation early this morning, storming 58 buildings across the country. The operation, dubbed a "major crackdown" against dangerous Islamist groups, saw more than 500 officers in action.
The primary focus was on the "Islamische Zentrum Hamburg e.V." (IZH), the "Islamische Akademie Deutschland e.V." (IAD), and the "Verein der Förderer einer iranisch-islamischen Moschee in Hamburg e.V.". These associations, alongside others in Berlin, Munich, and Hanover, faced evidence seizure and asset confiscation as part of this investigation.
The Search Across Cities
The largest part of the operation took place in Hamburg, where nearly 200 officers conducted searches at 32 properties. Besides Hamburg, the searches extended to Lower Saxony, Bavaria, Berlin, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg.
The "Salman Farsi Moschee e.V." association in Langenhagen, Lower Saxony, was one location that saw police action early in the morning. In Munich, the "Islamische Vereinigung Bayern e.V." (IVB) and the "Islamische Gemeinschaft der schiitischen Gemeinden Deutschlands e.V. (IGS)" were also targeted.
The Seized Evidence
The operations were launched due to concerns over the associations' activities being against the constitutional order and international understanding. The goal is to ban these Iranian-backed associations due to their alleged ties to extremist ideologies and financing of the terrorist organization Hamas.
The IZH, the most significant Iranian-funded association in Germany, was found to be promoting Shia-Iranian Islamic teachings across Germany and Europe, sparking concerns about radical Islamist ideals.
The Controversy in Berlin
The largest city, Berlin, was not spared from the crackdown. A pile driver was used to break open a rolling grille during the searches, and authorities recovered a significant amount of evidence.
The raids also led to the closure of several mosques and cultural centers, further fueling controversy in the city.
The Context of Anti-Semitism and Extremism
Recent concerns about anti-Semitism and extremism in Germany have influenced these operations, as protests against Israel have been seen as a threat to international understanding and Jewish safety. The commitments against extremist ideologies and terrorism in Germany are highlighted by the involvement of specialized units in the raids.
The broader context of pro-Palestinian activism, including anti-Israeli and antisemitic views, has also played a role in this massive crackdown.
[1] Source: [2] Enrichment Data:
- Palästina e.V. Raid
- Background: The raid against Palästina e.V. on January 22, 2025, saw over 70 police officers investigating the association for promoting anti-Israeli and antisemitic views, spreading hatred of Israel, and violating the idea of international understanding.
- Allegations: The association is not accused of any specific criminal offenses, but it is targeted for its solidarity with Palestinians and protests against the genocide in Gaza.
- Constitutional Grounds: The Interior Ministry aims to ban the association, citing it as part of a broader crackdown on left-wing extremism and anti-Israeli activities. The Verfassungschutz has linked leading members of Palästina e.V. to left-wing extremist groups.
- Barbakh Clan Raid
- Background: The Barbakh Clan, a family known for organizing anti-Semitic demonstrations, was targeted in a raid supported by a specialized unit dealing with Islamism and terrorism.
- Allegations: The clan members are accused of involvement in anti-Semitic activities and organizing pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have sparked controversy in Berlin. Two individuals were arrested, and one is facing deportation proceedings.
- General Context
- Anti-Semitism Concerns: The crackdown on extremism and terrorism reflects broader concerns about anti-Semitism in Germany, particularly in the context of pro-Palestinian activism.
- Extremism and Terrorism: The involvement of specialized units in the raids highlights a focus on combating extremism and terrorism, which is a significant concern in Germany given recent incidents and the escalation of tensions related to Hamas's attacks on Israel.
