Combatting extremism - Authorities in Lower Saxony enforce measures against Salafists: A Muslim association is prohibited in the region.
The state of Lower Saxony has outlawed the German-speaking Muslim Community (DMG) in Braunschweig for allegedly infringing on the country's constitutional order and promoting a lack of understanding amongst different groups. Daniela Behrens, Interior Minister of Lower Saxony, stated that they do not condone any groups that routinely devalue non-believers, women, Jews, or the social order in general.
To enforce the ban, special forces conducted searches at eight locations in Braunschweig and Berlin on Wednesday. No arrests were made, but the DMG's assets were seized. In Berlin, two private apartments were targeted, based on dpa reports.
The region's authorities closely collaborated with the federal government to execute the ban. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) said in a statement that "federal and state governments are resolutely taking action against the enemies of our open society." The Islamic scene is being monitored, and any groups that aim to radicalize young people and recruit new Islamists are not tolerated.
The DMG has been screened by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution for years and has become increasingly radical. Through an online platform and social media, the organization managed to reach tens of thousands of young people. Its events often showcased well-known Salafist preachers on many channels, where they spread messages of hatred, violence, and intolerance instead of religious teachings. The association served as a central location for Salafist activities in Germany.
Salafism is a conservative movement within Islam, advocating for a return to the pre-modern ways of life and strict adherence to traditional interpretations of Islamic values. It prioritizes imposing their rules on entire nations, seeking to establish an Islamic "God's state."
Following the ban, authorities have moved to suppress the DMG's online presence as well. Several platforms have been asked to shut down the association's channels, and the state is working to limit the spread of Salafist ideology beyond Lower Saxony. Salafist preachers use these platforms to encourage followers to adhere to Salafist ideology and disregard democratic values. One example cited was advice on how to discipline women seen as subordinate to men. Radical statements like requests for God ("Allah") to kill unbelievers have also been widely shared.
A recent report by the President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Thomas Haldenwang, revealed that other extremist groups, like the Group Muslim Interactive, are actively targeting young Muslims through professional video content. Goals include the propagation of "completely archaic messages" and the eventual establishment of a caliphate.
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The public prosecutor's office in Lower Saxony is actively involved in the ban on the German-speaking Muslim Community (DMG), citing their promotion of divisiveness and infringement on constitutional values. After the raid on eight locations, Salafist preachers' online channels are being targeted to limit the spread of their radical ideology.
