Germany's shutdown of Islamic center violates 'fundamental human rights': NGO
An Iran-based international NGO has strongly condemned Germany’s closure of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) as a clear breach of international treaties, as well as human rights and freedom of religion, expression, and assembly.
In a statement on Friday, the Ahl Al-Bayt World Assembly urged German authorities to reverse the controversial ban on the center.
The statement was issued one day after the German Interior Ministry said it had banned the IZH, better known for its Blue Mosque or Imam Ali Mosque, and its affiliated organizations across the country for promoting what it called “Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology.”
The ministry said 53 of the IZH’s premises had been searched in eight German states, acting on a court order.
Ahl Al-Bayt World Assembly said it “strongly condemns the measure that contradicts freedom of religion and fundamental human rights.”
It described the IZH as one of the most important religious, scientific and cultural centers in Germany, which has for over 60 years acted “competently” in the fields of introducing religious and Islamic teachings, as well as promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence while rejecting extremism, discord, and violence.
“Bringing the charge of promoting extremism against the center, which has been a barrier against extremism, and religious Takfirism and conflicts, is completely baseless from a legal and humanitarian point of view," noted the NGO.
"Shutting down such a center that promotes peaceful approaches will have a negative impact on the social cohesion and coexistence of followers of religions in Germany," it added.
The NGO further expressed grave concern and protested against the violation of religious, social, and legal rights of Muslims in Germany.
It urged the German government to prevent the repetition of such illegal moves, warning that they will spawn violence and Islamophobia in Europe and the entire world.
German authorities should take urgent action towards changing their current approach and protecting the rights of Muslims, the Ahl Al-Bayt World Assembly emphasized, adding that it expects international authorities, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to act decisively in order to protect human rights across the world, including in Germany.
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