Extremism: Faeser threatens Islamists with the full severity of the criminal law

According to Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the German security authorities have the Islamist scene in Germany firmly in their sights. “We use all instruments: from intelligence observation to intensive investigations,” the SPD politician told the newspapers of the Funke media group. The authorities have struck early several times in the last few months alone to prevent planned attacks.

Faeser assured that those who fantasized about a caliphate at an Islamist demonstration in Hamburg at the end of April would also be in the focus of the security authorities. “In our constitutional state, we can only ban such groups if the high legal requirements are met,” explained the minister.

The group Muslim Interaktiv, which is classified as extremist, wants to take to the streets in Hamburg again today. The rally is subject to strict conditions. These include the ban on inciting hatred or violence and denying Israel’s right to exist. At a rally at the end of April, also organized by Muslim Interactive, calls were made for, among other things, a caliphate as a solution to social problems. The march sparked nationwide outrage.

Faeser described the strict requirements of the Hamburg authorities as correct. “This enables immediate, tough intervention if the demonstration aggressively calls for a caliphate in Germany and if Israel’s right to exist is denied or incitement against Jews,” said the minister. The security authorities also monitored very closely whether the ban on the terrorist organization Hamas and the Samidoun group was being violated. “This is a criminal offense that allows for immediate action even during demonstrations.”