Germany Bans Hamburg Islamic Center Suspected of Hezbollah Ties
German authorities have banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) and its affiliated organizations, citing concerns over extremist activities and alleged connections to Iran. The Federal Ministry of the Interior has been investigating the IZH for association-law violations and influence from Iran. The IZH is classified as an extremist entity by Germany's domestic intelligence service and is considered a significant propaganda center for Tehran in Europe.
The ban was announced in the Federal Gazette and led to extensive police operations, including searches of 53 properties linked to the organization across eight regional states. This action follows previous raids, including one in November where 54 properties, including the Blue Mosque in Hamburg, were searched. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the ban does not apply to the peaceful practice of the Shiite religion.
