Germany bans Hezbollah

Germany has banned the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) and its affiliated organizations, accusing them of promoting extremism and supporting Hezbollah, a group designated as a terrorist organization. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the IZH disseminates the ideology of Iran's Supreme Leader and aims to instigate an Islamic revolution in Germany, contrary to the country's constitutional values. The ban follows police raids on 53 properties linked to the organization across eight German states, which revealed material confirming serious suspicions against the IZH. Four Shiite mosques will be closed as part of this action, although Faeser emphasized that the ban does not target the peaceful practice of the Shiite faith. The IZH has been under surveillance for years, and this action represents ongoing efforts by Germany to crack down on Islamist extremism. The ministry clarified that the ban is based on the group's alleged activities, not on religious grounds, distinguishing between extremists and the broader Muslim community in Germany.