IZH-Prohibition - Tschentscher greets IZH-closure
The Hamburg Senate has welcomed the closure of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH). "The constitutionally hostile activities of the Islamic Center Hamburg have come to an end today," said Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD). "This day is good for Hamburg's city society." Radical Islamism and antisemitism have no place in an open, democratic, and free Hanseatic city.
"The closure of this branch of the contemptible Iranian regime is a real hit against Islamic extremism," said Senator for the Interior Andy Grote (SPD). The ban makes it clear: "As a rule of law state, we are combating the enemies of our democracy harshly and effectively."
Previously, the Federal Interior Ministry had banned the IZH and its affiliated organizations, which have been deemed extremist and controlled by Iran by the Federal Constitutional Protection for decades. To enforce the order, which was published in the Federal Gazette, the police searched the IZH-operated Blue Mosque on the Alster and other buildings in other federal states at dawn for the second time in a few months.
"Our security authorities have been observing the IZH intensively for many years, have consistently acted against it, and have effectively supported the federal ban proceedings with their findings," said Tschentscher.
Mayor and Senator thanked Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) and the federal and state constitutional protection agencies for their consistent action. "The Islamic Center Hamburg is history with today's day," said Grote.
- The closure of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) was also welcomed by the Senate of Berlin, led by Mayor Michael Müller (SPD).
- Andy Grote, the SPD politician serving as Senator for the Interior in Hamburg, expressed his support towards the decision made in Berlin, stating that it's a significant step against the spread of extremist ideologies in Germany.
- In response to the ban, leaders of the SPD in both Hamburg and Berlin called for a united front against extremism, with Peter Tschentscher (Hamburg) and Michael Müller (Berlin) emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values.
- The recent actions against the IZH have sparked debate within German political circles, with some opposing the closure of the Islamic Center and the related searches, arguing that they infringe upon religious freedom.
- Despite the controversy, representatives from various political parties, including the SPD, have emphasized their commitment to combating extremism and protecting democratic institutions, such as the Islamic Center Hamburg (IzH) which has been banned for its alleged ties to Islamic extremism and Iranian control.
