Germany Bans Islamic Centre Hamburg, Raids 54 Locations Across Eight States

Jul 24, 2024, 08:15 AM

Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior has banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) and its subsidiary organizations, citing their pursuit of radical Islamist goals, support for Hezbollah, and spreading totalitarian ideology and antisemitism. The ban, announced by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, led to a large-scale raid across eight states, targeting 54 locations linked to the center, including the famous 'Blue Mosque' in Hamburg. The IZH is accused of promoting the Iranian leadership's ideology and acting as a representative of Iran in Germany. Authorities seized cash, mobile phones, laptops, and a large safe during the raids. The center has been under investigation for several months for its extremist activities and connections to Iran and Hezbollah. The ban also resulted in the closure of four Shiite mosques associated with the IZH.