Breaking News: Major Raids in Seven States, IZH under Investigation
Police forces carried out major raids in seven federal states on Thursday, including Hesse, as part of an investigation into the "Islamic Center Hamburg" (IZH). The IZH is under suspicion of acting against the constitutional order and the idea of international understanding, the Federal Ministry of the Interior announced.
Allegations of Support to Hezbollah
The authorities are also investigating the suspicion that the association supports the activities of the pro-Iranian Shiite terrorist organization Hezbollah from Lebanon. This could potentially lead to the banning of the IZH.
Raids in Hesse
In Hesse, four properties were raided in the morning, with around 80 policemen involved. The investigations focus on the IZH, five other associations, and their alleged sub-organizations. Among these, one is based in Hesse.
Investigations and Cooperation among Agencies
In addition to Hamburg and Hesse, searches reportedly took place in Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, and North Rhine-Westphalia during the early morning hours. The authorities are concerned about the IZH's activities, which they claim aim to spread the revolutionary concept of the Iranian leaders, suspected of violating the constitutional order in Germany and the idea of international understanding.
Monitoring Extremist Activities
Undercover extremism can pose a threat to national security and international understanding, and authorities continue to closely monitor such activities.
Rationale for the Ban
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, speaking on the matter, stated that the IZH has been classified as Islamist and that Islamist propaganda and anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli incitement will not be tolerated. Leaked sources hint at the possibility that the IZH could exert a significant influence over certain mosques and associations in Germany.
Controversial Actions and Reactions
The IZH has long been under scrutiny from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The closure of the Blue Mosque in Hamburg, sponsored by the IZH, has been met with opposition from some quarters. However, many politicians and security officials have supported the ban, emphasizing the need to prevent activities opposing the constitutional order.
Enrichment Insights
- The IZH was later banned and closed in July 2024 .
- The mosque was allegedly used to support Hezbollah activities, including fundraising and recruiting members .
- The authorities closely monitor the activities of Muslim groups with ties to extremist organizations, including Hezbollah .
- The IZH's deputy head, Seyed Mousavifar, was deported to Iran due to alleged links to Hezbollah .
- The German domestic intelligence services have characterized the IZH as the most important representation of Iran in Germany aside from the Iranian embassy .
