Searches against Hezbollah members in the Hanover area
The Federal Criminal Police Office has been investigating suspected supporters of the Lebanese Hezbollah in the Hanover area since this morning. At the instigation of the Federal Public Prosecutor General, around 20 properties and club premises have been searched, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office announced in Karlsruhe on Thursday. The measures are directed against five suspects who are allegedly connected to the Lebanese Shiite militia. They are accused of membership of a foreign terrorist organization. No arrests have been made.
According to the investigations so far, the suspects are said to have worked for Hezbollah for several years. They are said to have held leading positions in two associations that were directed by Hezbollah. "Today's measures serve to objectify the existing suspicions," the statement continued.
According to the information provided, the searches by the Federal Public Prosecutor General have been coordinated with the raids against Islamists in seven federal states, which have also been ongoing since the morning. These are directed against the "Islamic Center Hamburg" (IZH). The center is considered an extension of the Iranian regime and is also suspected of having links to Hezbollah.
The actions against the suspects are related to extremist beliefs, specifically their alleged membership in Hezbollah, a foreign terrorist organization. The police are working closely with investigations against Islamists in various federal states, as some associations are believed to have links to Hezbollah.
Source: www.dpa.com
