BERLIN – Germany’s federal government has formally banned the Muslim activist group Muslim Interaktiv, citing its promotion of antisemitism, discrimination against women and sexual minorities, and advocacy for replacing German law with Islamic law. The Interior Ministry announced the ban alongside sweeping raids on properties associated with two additional Muslim groups, Generation Islam and Reality Islam, as part of a broader crackdown on extremist organizations.
Authorities stated that Muslim Interaktiv posed a threat to Germany’s constitutional order by espousing intolerance incompatible with democracy and human rights. The group, established in 2020, was known for a sophisticated social media presence and for organizing rallies advocating a caliphate and calling for the supremacy of Islamic law. Police searched seven sites in Hamburg and 12 in Berlin and Hesse. Computer data, written notes, and cash were confiscated. The group’s assets will be seized and its operations and symbols outlawed.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt declared, “We will respond with the full force of the law to anyone who aggressively calls for a caliphate on our streets, incites hatred against the State of Israel and Jews intolerably, and despises the rights of women and minorities.” He noted that the crackdown focused on organizations fostering permanent enmity toward Germany’s constitution, not on religious practice. The ministry clarified that the banned group “is particularly opposed to gender equality and freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity” and seeks to indoctrinate activists in ways undermining social cohesion.
Muslim Interaktiv’s leaders rejected the government’s claims, insisting they respect the German constitution but arguing for autonomy in their interpretation of Islam. German authorities, however, emphasized that public calls for a caliphate, antisemitic propaganda, and rejection of women’s and LGBTQ+ rights could not be tolerated in a democratic society.
Experts and observers link the increased scrutiny to a rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany following the October 2023 Hamas massacre in Israel and Germany’s firm response in support of Israel. Last year, the government also banned the Hamburg Islamic Center, citing support for Hezbollah. Germany’s consistent legal actions against such organizations reflect a national commitment to combating hate and protecting both its Jewish community and other vulnerable groups.
Civil society organizations have broadly welcomed the government’s actions, highlighting the imperative to protect Jews and minorities and uphold core democratic values amid growing extremist agitation in Europe.
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