Strobl: Raid against Islamists serves to protect democracy
In the course of the nationwide raid against Islamists associated with the "Islamic Center Hamburg" (IHZ), which has been ongoing since this morning, the police have also searched a property in Stuttgart, according to the State Ministry of the Interior. "With today's searches, we are sending a clear signal to all those who endanger our free democratic basic order," said Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) on Thursday morning in Stuttgart. He spoke out against all forms of extremism and anti-Semitism.
The center is considered an extension of the Iranian regime, which congratulated the Islamist Hamas on its attack on Israel and described it as a "turning point in the continuation of armed resistance".
A total of 54 properties in seven federal states have been searched since 6 a.m. as part of the investigation, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) said that the IHZ had long been under observation by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and was classified as Islamist.
The searches in Stuttgart were reportedly carried out under the direction of the State Office of Criminal Investigation and supported by forces from the regional police headquarters in Stuttgart and the Einsatz police headquarters as well as the federal police.
The police's search in Stuttgart, as part of the raid against extremist Islamists, underscores their commitment to combating all forms of extremism. Recognizing the IHZ's association with radical groups and its promotion of violence, such as congratulating Hamas on their attack on Israel, highlights the necessity for robust law enforcement actions against extremist organizations.
Source: www.dpa.com
