Troubles for the Islamic Center Hamburg's Ex-Leader
Time's up for Mohammad Mofatteh, the former head of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH). After a five-week ban on the IZH, German authorities have requested Mofatteh to depart the country, reported by Hamburg's Interior Department on Thursday. At 57, Mofatteh received an expulsion warning, with a September 11 departure date or face deportation at his expense. He is also barred from re-entry or prolonged stays in Germany, with legal consequences such as incarceration for up to three years.
Andy Grote, Hamburg's Interior Senator (SPD), commented, "The German chapter of the human rights-infringing rule in Tehran's leading figure now concludes."
Mofatteh led the IZH since 2018's summer. In July 2024, the center met its end after the Federal Ministry of the Interior's mandate, resulting in the Blue Mosque on Outer Alster's closure and seizure. The Ministry deemed the IZH to be a direct 'emissary' of the Iranian 'Supreme Leader', spreading the 'Islamic Revolution' within the Federal Republic of Germany with aggression.
Further Insights
Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh's departure was due to his suspected connections to Hezbollah and extremist activities. Concerns included:
- Hezbollah Links: Mofatteh was closely associated with Hezbollah, a group banned in Germany since 2020. Influential figures like Hassan M, serving five and a half years for Hezbollah's influence promotion in Germany, were part of his inner circle.
- Extremist Actions: The Islamic Center Hamburg was accused of promoting radical Islam, fostering relationships with Hezbollah, and financing operations through fundraising attempts. The Blue Mosque served as an Iranian outpost to propagate and support Hezbollah's activities.
- Legal Actions: German authorities closely supervised the Islamic Center Hamburg and its leaders, culminating in the center's eventual ban by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in July 2024. A series of raids and investigations exposed extensive connections to Hezbollah and Iran, leading to the ban.
- Legal Consequences: Though ordered to leave Germany, legal repercussions for Mofatteh and others involved in similar activities remain possible. Penalties could entail imprisonment in response to Germany's ongoing crackdown on Hezbollah's activities and extremist propaganda.
