Online Radicalization through Digital Platforms - Dangerous Nature of German Online Propagators Advocating for Islamist Ideologies
With great intensity, a man sporting a long, fiery red beard barks into a microphone: "We need to spread Da'wa everywhere!" Da'wa is an Arabic term signifying an "invitation" to Islam. However, individuals like Pierre Vogel, who's yelling in the video, misinterpret the term. They aim to propagate their views. This German preacher, often referred to as "Abu Hamza" online, is entirely clad in white, donning a takke. But Vogel's aggressive outburst has little to do with religious rituals. "We can't establish a shelter in the forest, chalk Da'wa on it, and then wait for someone to pass by," he further argues, slamming the table with both fists. The audience responds with "Allahu Akbar."
The video has gained traction across multiple social media platforms, garnering thousands of likes. Many users find amusement in the preacher's outburst, with a TikTok channel describing it as "timeless classic" - a definite favorite. "Brings back memories of a speech in 1934," comments one user. Salafist Hitlers? Vogel's fury does bear a striking resemblance.
This instance showcases how Islamist content spreads and infiltrates digital spaces. What is it that makes preachers like Vogel so relatable? And do such videos actually pose a threat?_
Islamism turns into a meme
Ahmad Armih, who goes by "Abul Baraa," is a Salafist confidant of Pierre Vogel. In his videos, Baraa effortlessly shifts into the role of a life coach. He shares sermons and advice, guiding his Muslim followers on how to live and how not to. It's alright to enjoy alcohol-free beer, but don't flaunt it outside, he says with a chuckle. Baraa's humorous approach suggests he means no harm, right? A closer look at his social media channels, however, paints a much different picture. Differently-abled individuals are held accountable. Most inhabitants of hell are women. "Infidel" is more than an insult - it's a fact. Such are Baraa's declarations.
Not only the content, but also the seemingly supportive way in which online Salafists propagate these ideas can be detrimental. Extremism takes a back seat. Another example is the internet meme "Ew, brother, ew! What’s that, brother?” The phrase stems from a radical preacher named Mohamed Hoblos, who uses it to mock Muslims he considers not devout enough. The popular YouTube video has garnered over three million views, and meme pages frequently use the clip for amusing skits. Islamism gains cult status. In online retail, T-shirts bearing Hoblos' face and his philosophies are sold.
Radicalization of youth on TikTok
Following the cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to terror threats, Pierre Vogel and Abul Baraa held a discussion on TikTok. The "Bild" newspaper alleges that Baraa played a significant role in the radicalization of the 19-year-old attacker Beran A., citing intelligence sources. Vogel and Baraa refute any involvement in the Vienna terror threats, as reported by "Der Standard".
Whether these allegations hold any merit remains unclear. Regardless, the preachers espouse problematic views on Islam. According to a report by the Baden-Württemberg constitutional protection office, Abul Baraa advocates a Salafist ideology that contradicts the liberal democratic order. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) also condemns Pierre Vogel's radical views, primarily directed towards liberal Muslims who he believes misrepresent Islam. He is infamous for making "Islamist-driven, homophobic remarks" during his sermons.
"Both Ahmad Armih and Pierre Vogel are on the BfV's radar. The content they disseminate continues to be classified as Salafist," the BfV informed stern.
Since October 7, jihadist content has been escalating
In its latest annual report, the BfV warns of jihadist propaganda spreading on the internet. While Islamist content saw a brief dip during the reporting period, it has since significantly increased following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Europol has repeatedly deactivated suspect channels and groups. "These actions cannot totally halt the spread of jihadist content, but they do make it more challenging," the report states.
Such Islamist content can be found on TikTok, where Vogel and Baraa have shared their perspectives. The platform's primary target audience is young individuals, who are particularly vulnerable. The 2023 annual report of the Brandenburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution even mentions the "TikTok-ification of Islamism." The platform itself remains tight-lipped about why extremists are permitted to spread their views there. A TikTok spokesperson merely referred to their policies related to hate speech and extremism. TikTok endeavors to make it harder for users to access hateful content and accounts. However, multiple profiles are allowed to persist, even if they violate the community guidelines._
Online Salafists can continue to disseminate radical viewpoints with minimal hindrance across social media platforms. It's up to the users to interpret the videos objectively and stay skeptical of the preachers' charming demeanors.
The popularity of Vogel's outburst has led to the creation of a TikTok channel that labels it as a "timeless classic." Many users find entertainment in his aggressive mannerisms, with one commenting, "Brings back memories of a speech in 1934," hinting at a comparison to Adolf Hitler's rhetoric.
The influence of radical preachers like Vogel and Armih extends beyond their videos, with merchandise like T-shirts bearing their faces and philosophies becoming available for purchase online. This commodification of their ideologies further propagates their extremist views among young, vulnerable audiences.
