German Government Shuts Down Islamic Center in Hamburg
In a bold move, the German government has closed the Islamic Center of Hamburg and its affiliated organizations, citing the propagation of extremism and radical Islamic ideology. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the Islamic Center Hamburg was promoting radical Islamist objectives and their ‘Blue Mosque’ was being searched by police.
Accused of undermining the German state, the Islamic Center of Hamburg was said to be promoting an Islamist-extremist ideology contrary to human dignity, women’s rights, and democratic governance. Following a court order, 53 properties associated with the Islamic Center were searched across eight German states and four mosques were shut down.
Last year, the Interior Ministry had accused the Islamic Center of supporting Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist organization in 2020. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Muslims in Germany continue to fight against such prejudices and stereotypes.