Germany establishes task force to combat 'Islamism': 'We must prevent radicalization from the very beginning'

Radical Islamism has entered the German government's agenda. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced the establishment of the 'Task Force for the Prevention of Islamism,' which aims to combat potential future terrorism and social polarization issues.

According to a statement published on the ministry's website, the 'Task Force for the Prevention of Islamism' will focus specifically on preventing radicalization processes that young people are exposed to on online platforms.

Stating that radicalization is spreading rapidly via the internet, Faeser expressed the following on the subject:

'We are increasingly seeing young perpetrators who become radicalized on the internet and in chat rooms. We must recognize and stop these radicalization processes earlier, and if possible, prevent more young people from becoming radicalized in the first place.'

Highlighting that platforms such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, and TikTok are used by Islamist groups to influence particularly young and vulnerable users, Faeser stated that the task force is an important step in the field of prevention.

As part of its two-year mandate, the task force aims to develop preventive measures against radicalization by submitting new recommendations and measures to the Ministry of the Interior every six months.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser

TASK FORCE INCLUDES A MEMBER OPPOSED TO THE HEADSCARF

The working group consists of 9 experts from security institutions, non-governmental organizations, and academia. Notable members of the team include Julian Junk from the Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, Mouhanad Khorchide from the University of Münster, Michael Kiefer from the University of Osnabrück, and Lisa Borchardt from the Lower Saxony State Criminal Police Office.

Some of these individuals are known for their controversial statements regarding Islam and Muslims in the past. In particular, Mouhanad Khorchide, Director of the Center for Islamic Theology at the University of Münster, had supported the headscarf ban and the closure of certain mosques in Austria, which had sparked criticism.

Furthermore, Khorchide has been frequently criticized for supporting legal regulations that advocate for bringing Muslim associations in Austria under state control and for his use of the term 'political Islam,' which critics argue has contributed to increased state control over Muslim civil society.

Director of the Center for Islamic Theology at the University of Münster, Mouhanad Khorchide

WHY WAS THE TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED?

On the other hand, the task force in question was implemented as part of the security package decided upon by the German government following the terrorist attack in Solingen.

The package adopted by the government includes stricter regulations on weapons, asylum, and residency laws, in addition to the fight against Islamism.

In August, in the German city of Solingen, a 26-year-old Syrian suspect named Issa al-H. stabbed random people during the city's 650th-anniversary celebrations, killing three people and injuring eight others, some of whom were in critical condition.

News Source: AA