Cutting the Mullah’s Long Arm: German Police Storm Extremist Mosques

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By Mostafa Aslani

On July 24, 2024, German authorities executed a series of coordinated raids targeting the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) and its affiliated organizations, exposing the Iranian regime’s extensive influence and efforts to propagate its fundamentalist ideology in Europe. The operation, which spanned eight federal states and involved the search of 53 properties, marked a significant crackdown on institutions linked to Iran’s government and Hezbollah.

The Raids and Immediate Actions

At dawn, heavily armed police units stormed the Imam Ali Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Hamburg. This mosque, operated by the IZH, has long been under surveillance for its extremist activities and connections to Iran. Simultaneously, raids were conducted in Berlin’s Tempelhof district and other locations across Bavaria, Bremen, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. In Hamburg alone, 30 properties were searched. The police used heavy equipment to break into the mosque, seizing large amounts of cash, documents, and electronic devices. Three individuals found inside the mosque were detained. The operation also led to the confiscation of a black Audi A6, believed to be the Imam’s official vehicle.

Background and Justification

The IZH has been identified by German intelligence as a key outpost of the Iranian regime in Europe. Since 1993, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Hamburg has monitored the IZH, describing it as an ideological, organizational, and personnel extension of Tehran. The center has been accused of spreading an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology, supporting Hezbollah terrorists, and promoting aggressive antisemitism. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced the ban on the IZH, stating that the organization propagates a militant version of the Islamic Revolution’s ideology and aims to incite similar revolutionary sentiments in Germany. The ban also included the closure of four Shiite mosques and the seizure of the IZH’s assets.

Broader Context and Implications

The crackdown on the IZH is part of a broader effort to counter the Iranian regime’s influence in Europe. The IZH has been involved in various activities that align with Iran’s strategic interests, including supporting Hezbollah and participating in anti-Israel demonstrations such as the annual Al-Quds March in Berlin. The center’s former deputy head, Mullah Seyed Soleiman Mousavifar, was expelled from Germany in 2022 for his ties to militant Shiite groups. The Hamburg raids are not an isolated incident. Similar actions have been taken against Iranian-linked organizations across Europe. For instance, the Islamic Centre of England in London, another Iranian-affiliated institution, is currently under investigation by the UK’s Charity Commission for governance failures and potential extremist activities.

Official Statements and Community Reactions

Hamburg’s Interior Senator Andy Grote declared that the raids effectively severed the Iranian regime’s long arm in Germany. Mayor Peter Tschentscher echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact on Hamburg’s society. In Berlin, Interior Senator Iris Spranger highlighted the importance of defending democratic principles and combating antisemitism. The raids send a clear message that Germany will not tolerate the spread of extremist ideologies or the support of terrorist organizations, regardless of their origin.

Conclusion

The raids on the Islamic Centre Hamburg and its affiliates represent a significant step in countering the Iranian regime’s efforts to export its revolutionary ideology and support for terrorism in Europe. As investigations continue, the full extent of the IZH’s activities and connections will likely come to light, further shaping Germany’s approach to combating extremism and safeguarding national security.

This article was first published by irannewsupdate

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