Iran Summons German Ambassador Regarding The Prohibition Of The Hamburg Islamic Center

JAKARTA - Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador in Tehran over Berlin's decision to ban the Hamburg Islamic Center (IZH) association.

Germany's Interior Ministry said it had banned the organization and its subsidiaries.

The German ministry said IZH acted as the direct representative of Iran's Supreme Leader and was trying to realize the Islamic revolution in Germany that would create a governing government.

The IZH could not be reached by Reuters for phone calls on Wednesday, July 24, while its website could not be accessed by the public.

Previously reported by the German Ministry of Home Affairs banned the Hamburg Islamic Center (IZH) association and its subsidiary organization, arguing that the organization was considered to spread radical ideas.

A total of 53 locations of the organization were searched by authorities in eight German states on Wednesday, July 24 morning, based on a court order.

In addition to the Hamburg-based IZH, its subgroups in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin are also prohibited. Four Shia mosques will be closed, the ministry said.

Evidence from a previous search of 55 properties carried out in November 2023 provided the basis for the ban on IZH, known in German as the Hamburg Zentrum Islamistics Zentrum.

"Today, we are banning Islamisches Zentrum Hamburg, which supports the Islamic totalitarian and extremist ideology in Germany," said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

"Islamic ideology is against human dignity, women's rights, independent courts and our democratic government. This prohibition does not apply to Shia's religious peaceful practices at all," added Faeser.

The ministry said IZH acted as the direct representative of Iran's Supreme Leader and was trying to realize the Islamic revolution in Germany that would create the government.

In addition, IZH promotes antisemitism (hostile) and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which is also banned.