A month after the ban on the extremist Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), its former leader, Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, 57, is now expected to leave Germany. This week, Hamburg's Interior Department issued a deportation notice, and a spokesperson confirmed it. Initially, there was no information on his whereabouts within the country.
The mandate requires him to depart from Germany within two weeks. Failing to comply will result in his forced expulsion to his native land at his expense by September 11, 2024. Additionally, he is prohibited from re-entering or residing in Germany, under penalty of up to three years in prison if disobeyed. This was earlier reported by the radio station NDR 90.3.
Former Representative of the Iranian Regime
Mofatteh served as the IZH leader since summer 2018. According to the Hamburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution, he acted as the official representative of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Germany until recently.
Hamburg's Interior Senator Andy Grote (SPD) views the deportation as the subsequent step by the authorities, as he stated in response to a query. "As the highest religious emissary of the regime in Tehran, his tenure in Germany has run its course. We will continue to combat Islamic extremism with all our might and utilize all residence-related measures."
Towards the end of 2022, the deputy leader of IZH, Seyed Mousavifar, was also excluded from Germany due to ties with the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Previously, he had attempted to reverse the deportation order at the Hamburg Higher Administrative Court in the second instance, but failed. The pro-Iranian terrorist organization has been banned in Germany since 2020.
Portrayed as "Iran's Propaganda Hub in Europe"
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) banned the IZH on July 24, labeling it as a "prominent propaganda outlet of Iran in Europe." The IZH officials contested the justification in the ban order, stating it contained "unverified allegations" they intended to contest through legal action.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide seized assets and facilities of the center and five associated subsidiaries at the end of July. Since then, the Blue Mosque has also been under federal control.
Weekly Gatherings for Reopening the Blue Mosque
Hundreds of worshippers have been assembling outside the shuttered Blue Mosque on the Hamburger Außenalster every week to pray and protest for the restoration of the place of worship.
The ban on the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), labeled as a propaganda hub for Iran, was enforced due to its extremist ties. With the deportation notice issued for Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, the former IZH leader and official representative of Iran's Supreme Leader, the German authorities are reinforcing their stance against Islamic extremism.
Further Insights
Initially, authorities suspected Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh of involvement in extremist activities, convicting 28 Afghan nationals, including him, as serious offenders. Authorities additionally viewed the ICH as a threat due to its association with radical Islam, often propagated through dawa strategies, which can subvert institutions from within.
Long-term expulsion and prohibition from entry not only emphasize the severity of the allegations against Mofatteh but also indicate Germany's commitment to countering radical Islam and maintaining public safety.
