Individuals of Afghan origin practitioner extreme forms of Islam in Germany
It's been discovered by RTL Investigations that some individuals from Afghanistan's Islamic community have settled in German cities. These individuals showcase their radical beliefs on TikTok, causing concern among the Federal Police Union, who warn of a potential loss of control.
On TikTok, these individuals claim titles like "King of Munich" or "Conqueror of Europe". They're often seen in Afghan army uniforms, camouflage, or traditional Afghan-Pashtun attire in German parks and city centers, appearing aggressive and battle-ready. They carry weapons such as knives and machetes, surrounded by other like-minded youths. Their appearance seems to be an attempt to assert power. Videos with Taliban slogans and jihad song lyrics accompany these clips, suggesting a hardline Islamic ideology.
RTL journalists have located numerous such videos and multiple accounts on social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram. These videos are posted from parks, city centers, or refugee homes. Women are rarely present in the videos, and German security authorities appear to be unaware of the men's activities, at least digitally. Threats like "cutting off heads" remain accessible on TikTok weeks after the investigation began, as well as threats to attack "enemies of Islam" using explosives.
Embracing the Taliban's Values
Who are these young men and where do they originate from? The young Afghan TikTok users provide a quick answer: RTL journalists find Afghan TikTok users in Munich. In interviews, several men express that they left due to economic reasons. They view the Taliban as the "best government" and claim that Afghanistan is "safer now than before." Their goal is to "bring Islam to Germany and Europe." They affirm that Sharia law would make everything "good."
According to extremism expert Ahmad Mansour, cases like these are not uncommon. Over the past four to five years, numerous migrants have arrived with a value system "in conflict with the fundamental values of this society." Nearly all these men have grown up with an understanding of Islam that is "closer to the Taliban's" than any modern, liberal, open, or Germany-compatible version of Islam.
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann places responsibility on Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser. He believes the images on TikTok represent a "major problem with Islamism and radical groups that come here with intentions to terrorize and disregard any rules." Linnemann thinks Faeser has downplayed the problem, pointing out her decision to disband the expert committee on Political Islam.
Loss of Control
The majority of this year's asylum applicants, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), hail from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Nearly 80% of migrants are from predominantly Muslim countries, often lacking any school or vocational training. Islamism and extremism expert Mansour considers the young men in TikTok videos as unintegratable and a significant danger to society. "We're observing a lifestyle Islamism. Men who express their masculinity in a very toxic, patriarchal way," Mansour says.
The Federal Police Union reports a dire situation. Heiko Teggatz, the union's chairman, claims they've "lost control" at Germany's borders. Immediate efforts are required to regain control, as continued loss of control is not affordable, according to Teggatz.
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann emphasizes that the situation has reached a critical point, and the need for action is paramount. Given the increasing threat from radical Islamists, an immediate policy shift is required. "If Solingen wasn't the last point where everyone should have understood, then I don't know how much longer we should wait," Linnemann concludes.
[You can read the first part of RTL Extra's investigation here.]
In response to the concerns raised by the Federal Police Union, the German government needs to address the issue of 'Other' radical individuals from Afghanistan's Islamic community who are promoting radical beliefs on social media platforms, such as TikTok. Moreover, there's a need to integrate these individuals better into German society to prevent the loss of control and potential threat they pose.
