Germany Imposes Ban on Islamic Group
Wed Jan 15, 1:23 PM ET
By GEIR MOULSON, Associated Press Writer
BERLIN – Germany’s top law enforcement official outlawed an Islamic organization Wednesday, citing the spread of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel propaganda to explain the third such ban since Sept. 11.
Little is known about the organization and structure of Hizb ut-Tahrir, but German authorities say the group – whose name means Liberation party – advocates the destruction of Israel and has called for the killing of Jews.
In conjunction with the ban, police raided 30 properties in five of Germany’s 16 states, seizing propaganda but making no arrests.
Interior Minister Otto Schily expressed particular concern over the spread of propaganda at universities, noting that several of the Sept. 11 plotters studied in Germany.
“I will not tolerate organizations here engaging in anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hate propaganda,” Schily told a news conference. Inciting racial or anti-Semitic hatred is outlawed in Germany.
Describing the group as secretive, Schily said it has been active in Germany distributing leaflets with anti-Semitic messages at mosques, Islamic centers and universities. It also has a German-language magazine and Web site, delivering the same propaganda.
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