Germany Bans Islamic Centre Hamburg for Extremism

Germany's Interior Ministry has banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) and its affiliated organizations, citing their promotion of radical Islamist ideologies and support for the Iranian leadership and Hezbollah. Following extensive investigations and raids on 53 properties across eight states, the ministry determined the IZH was disseminating aggressive antisemitism and undermining Germany's constitutional order. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the ban does not impact the peaceful practice of the Shia faith, but it will result in the closure of four Shiite mosques and the confiscation of the IZH's assets. The IZH has been under scrutiny for its links to Hezbollah and has previously hosted pro-Hezbollah events. The ban reflects growing concerns over extremist activities linked to Iranian influence in Germany.