German government bans Hezbollah
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer on Thursday banned Hezbollah activities in the country, his ministry spokesman said on Twitter.
He also confirmed that “police measures are underway in several federal states concurrently,” and added that even in times of crisis, the “rule of law is able to act.”
The police raids are focused on four mosque associations in Berlin, Dortmund, Bremen and Münster accused of belonging to Hezbollah.
Germany has also classified it as a terrorist organization.
Authorities estimate around 1,050 people in Germany are active members of the Lebanese militant group.
In September, federal prosecutors were given the authority to open criminal cases against members of a foreign terror organization.
In 2013, EU foreign ministers banned Hezbollah’s military wing but not its political work in Europe. As a result, sanctions can be imposed on its military leaders.
The UK designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in February last year.
Via DW
