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The Imam Ali Mosque on the Outer Alster in Hamburg, seat of the Islamic Center of Hamburg
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Markus Scholz / dpa
The highly controversial Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), which represents the Iranian government in Europe, has left the Council of Islamic Communities in Hamburg (Sura).
This was announced by Shura chairman Fatih Yildiz on Sunday evening after a council meeting.
"We didn't make it easy for ourselves and had numerous discussions that led to the conclusion that the IZH is no longer a member of the Schura."
According to the Hamburg State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the IZH, which is controlled by Iran and therefore classified as extremist, and which operates the Blue Mosque on the Alster, has been observed by the secret service for years.
His membership in the Schura was heavily disputed because the city of Hamburg signed a state treaty with the council, which is now due for evaluation after ten years.
In view of the bloody crackdown on protests critical of the regime in Iran in recent weeks, the pressure had increased.
At the weekend, the Greens, who are co-governing in Hamburg, also decided at a party conference that the IZH should no longer play a role in future contracts with the city.
Almost two weeks ago, the Bundestag had also campaigned for the IZH to be closed and called on the federal government to examine a ban procedure.
With all understanding for criticism, it must be emphasized that this "criticism should be expressed constructively," said Özlem Nas, the deputy Schura chairman and anti-racism officer of the council.
»Hates towards the IZH, burning of the Koran, property damage, bodily harm, agitation and hatred clearly transcend borders.«
czl/dpa
