Germany bans the Islamic group "Muslim Interaktiv" due to its call for the establishment of a caliphate
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced the ban on the Islamic organization "Muslim Interaktiv", accusing it of acting against the German constitutional order and principles of international understanding. The decision came after months of surveillance and increasing public concern following the group's organization of massive demonstrations calling for the establishment of a theocratic system in Germany.
On Wednesday morning, the police began carrying out raids in Hamburg, Berlin, and Hesse, targeting homes and properties linked to the group. Security forces seized financial assets and documents from individuals suspected of belonging to or supporting the banned organization. Among those targeted was Joe Adey Boating (Joe Adey Boating), known by his nickname "Raim", who is considered one of the prominent faces of the group.
The group "Muslim Interaktiv" was founded in March 2020, and its activities primarily emerged through social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Its content targeted young Muslims, presenting the West as an oppressor of Islam, and claiming that Muslims in Germany are not allowed to practice their religion freely. Authorities say that the group ideologically adopted the ideas of the Islamic Liberation Party (Hezb al-Tahrir), whose activities have been banned in Germany since 2003.
Media attention towards the group increased after a large demonstration in the Steindamm area of Hamburg in 2024, where more than a thousand men participated, holding banners that read "The Caliphate is the Solution." This event sparked widespread outrage across Germany and calls for strict measures. The group later organized other protests, including a demonstration that turned violent after the outbreak of the Gaza war, where protesters threw stones and bottles at the police, injuring several officers.
Joe Ade Bowateng, who was studying to become a teacher in Hamburg, became the media face of 'Muslim Interaktiv'. After the criticism, he denied the accusations of extremism and claimed that his movement is facing a 'smear campaign'. However, Katharina Fegebank, a member of the Green Party and Senator for Science in Hamburg, confirmed that he would not be allowed to teach in the city's schools.
Sources indicate that the ban decision had been in preparation for several months, but it was delayed after an administrative judge in Hamburg raised concerns about some legal aspects of the ministry's justifications. After reviewing and amending the reasons, the ministry launched the process this week. Members of 'Muslim Interaktiv' still have the right to appeal the decision before the Federal Administrative Court, which is the highest judicial authority in such cases.