Authorities crack down on alleged Hamas sympathizers.
Security forces have targeted a group in Duisburg for alleged ties to the terrorist organization Hamas. The police are currently searching multiple locations where the group has a presence.
The Palestine Solidarity Duisburg group, which has previously been banned by the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Interior Ministry, is under investigation. On Thursday morning, authorities executed search warrants at four properties connected to the organization.
"This ban is timely and sends the right message," said NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul. "In many cases, solidarity with Palestine is a front for hate towards Jews, as demonstrated by the group banned today," he added. This move showcases the state's strong stance against extremism.
The group's mission involves advocating for Palestine, primarily in Duisburg but also nationwide. Palestine Solidarity Duisburg supports the Palestinian resistance, including Hamas's armed struggle against Israel.
Minister: Association Promotes Anti-Semitic Views
The group's ideological bent is marked by opposition to Israel and anti-Semitic views. In their meetings and social media communications, they disseminate anti-Semitic sentiments. The group regularly blames Israel for the Middle East conflict and fuels hatred and violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Their actions put the lives and safety of Israelis and Jews living in Germany at risk.
To curb the group's influence, authorities plan to ban the group's websites and shut them down. Furthermore, no new groups can be formed with similar goals, and their logo cannot be used. All of the association's assets will be confiscated and transferred to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- The crackdown on Hamas sympathizers in Duisburg extends beyond the local group, as North Rhine-Westphalia police are also monitoring potential links to terrorism related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- The decision to ban Palestine Solidarity Duisburg was influenced by recent events in Israel, including the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which the group openly supports.
- In light of the tensions in the Middle East, Duisburg's police are collaborating with regional and national authorities to prevent any escalation of hate speech or violence related to the Israel-Hamas conflict within North Rhine-Westphalia.
Source: www.ntv.de
