Germany's Interior Ministry said on Wednesday it has banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) association and its subsidiary organizations, saying it pursues radical Islamist goals.
In addition to the Hamburg-based IZH, which includes one of the oldest mosques in Germany known for its turquoise exterior, its subgroups in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin were also banned.
The IZH was not available for comment by phone on Wednesday morning, and its website was not accessible to the public.
"Today, we banned the Islamisches Zentrum Hamburg, which promotes an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany," said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
"This Islamist ideology is opposed to human dignity, women's rights, an independent judiciary and our democratic government.".
The ministry said the IZH acted as a direct representative of Iran's Supreme Leader and sought to bring about an Islamic revolution in Germany that would create theocratic rule.
In addition, IZH promotes antisemitism and the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, which is also banned, it said. »
