Infiltration in Berlin: When asked about his contacts with Islamists, the SPD man escalated the situation.

2026-06-20

A political controversy has erupted in Berlin after detailed questions were raised about alleged contacts between SPD parliamentary leader Raed Saleh and individuals linked to Islamist and pro-Palestinian activist networks. The allegations have sparked a heated exchange between journalists and the politician.

According to reporting by FOCUS Online and Welt am Sonntag, Saleh reacted sharply to a set of detailed questions, calling them offensive and rejecting the framing. His office also indicated that it reserved the right to publish both the questions and responses, a move described as unusual in dealings with the media.

The report highlights several public appearances and meetings involving Saleh, including attendance at events hosted by organizations that have been associated in past intelligence reports with Islamist movements such as Milli Görüş and the Islamic Community Millî Görüş (IGMG). These organizations have been previously mentioned in German domestic intelligence assessments, though their status has changed over time following legal challenges.

Further scrutiny focuses on Saleh’s interactions with religious and community figures, including participation in events at mosques and meetings with individuals previously linked in media and security reports to networks associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Saleh has not directly addressed all specific allegations but has confirmed visiting various mosques in Berlin.

The report also raises questions about Saleh’s contacts with Palestinian activists, including individuals who have appeared alongside organizations or symbols linked to groups such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Samidoun. Critics argue these associations raise concerns, while Saleh maintains that his interactions were limited to formal or casual encounters at public events.

Saleh has rejected accusations of political or ideological alignment with extremist networks, describing the allegations as a “constructed campaign.” He insists that his engagements reflect routine political and community outreach in a diverse city like Berlin, while the controversy continues to fuel debate over political Islam and integration in Germany.