Updated Article:
Hezbollah Suspects Set for Hamburg Trial
Two individuals, a 49-year-old Lebanese and a 55-year-old German-Lebanese, are set to face trial in Hamburg for their alleged links to the Hezbollah terrorist organization. The charges were brought before the State Security Senate at the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court on December 4, according to the federal prosecutor's office in Karlsruhe. As of now, the Higher Regional Court is deciding whether to admit these charges.
In Germany, the Shiite-Islamist organization of Hezbollah is considered a banned entity due to its opposition to international understanding and denial of Israel's right to exist. This extremist group supports terrorist activities aimed at the Jewish state.
The 49-year-old Lebanese allegedly joined Hezbollah in Lebanon over 30 years ago. Since 2016, he has reportedly managed Lebanese associations in collaboration with leading cadres, particularly in northern Germany. Over the years, he frequently appeared as a preacher, such as at the Al-Mustafa community in Bremen – which was banned in 2022 – to propagate their extremist beliefs.
The 55-year-old was already a Hezbollah member since 2004. Acting as a foreign functionary and elite military unit member, he was also active as a member and, later, the chairman of the Al-Mustafa community. Around the turn of the year 2015/2016, he reportedly paid visits to troops in the Syrian civil war while in uniform, strengthening their will to fight.
Beyond these two cases, the federal prosecutor's office in Karlsruhe has been intensely investigating the involvement of other Hezbollah members. This investigation, stemming from arrests in Lower Saxony, presents an opportunity to uncover Hezbollah's activities in Germany and their connections with local Shiite communities.
Lebanon voiced concerns over the German judicial process, urging caution in handling this matter to preserve bilateral relations. On the other hand, the German government remains committed to combatting terrorism and prohibiting organizations such as Hezbollah from operating within its borders.
Additional Insights:
While specific trial details are not readily available, ongoing investigations and arrests indicate a continuous effort to dismantle Hezbollah's network in Germany. The allegations include recruiting, fundraising, and spreading propaganda, with key figures like Hassan M and Fadel R playing significant roles in these activities.
The legal actions and reactions surrounding this case highlight the complexity in addressing these matters while preserving religious freedoms. As German authorities continue monitoring Hezbollah connections, potential shutdowns of entities linked to the organization are under scrutiny to justify the level of support for terrorist activities.
Sources: stern.de
Enrichment Data:
- Allegations and Arrests:
- German authorities have identified a secret network of Hezbollah operatives across northern Germany. Key figures such as Hassan M (Sheikh Hassan Murthada), Fadel R, and Fadel Z were implicated in this network.
- Hassan M served as a “traveling sheikh,” overseing Hezbollah activities and organizing training workshops. He was sentenced to five and a half years in jail, while Fadel R remains under investigation.
- Fadel Z was detained in July 2023 for allegedly obtaining drone parts in Germany for use against Israel.
- Activities and Evidence:
- The network was accused of recruiting individuals, raising funds, and spreading propaganda. Hassan M, the key figure of the network, played a vital role in these activities.
- The Blue Mosque in Hamburg was identified as an Iranian outpost linked to Hezbollah, known for propagating and supporting Hezbollah’s activities. The mosque’s deputy head, Seyed Mousavifar, was deported to Iran due to alleged links to Hezbollah.
- Legal Actions and Reactions:
- The Islamic Centre of Hamburg and the Blue Mosque faced a ban in July 2024, leading to protests and legal challenges. The centre is actively pursuing a lawsuit against the Interior Ministry to block the ban, arguing that it unfairly targets the mosque and its congregation.
- German MP’s brother Yavuz Ozoguz criticized the crackdown, stating that it represents an attack on religious freedom. He himself has faced scrutiny for his pro-Iran and anti-Israel content on his website, Muslim Market.
- Future Actions:
- German authorities will continue monitoring and investigating Hezbollah activities to prevent radicalization and terrorism. Balancing religious freedom concerns, prosecutors will need to prove that suspects are supporting terrorism to justify shutting down entities linked to Hezbollah.
