German politicians argue about response to Islamic extremism

The CDU is pushing for a hard line against radical Salafists. Federal Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich (CSU) has threatened the violent Islamist organization with bans and expulsions, and received support from the CDU. The SPD called for a crackdown on violent criminals. However, the Greens and the Left Party warned about promoting anti-Islamic sentiment in the Nord-Rhein Westfalen (NRW) election campaign.

He would "consider every opportunity" to ban Salafist organisations, Friedrich told the ARD "Morning Magazine". This was about Salafists who are ideologues, "who want to eliminate our free democratic basic order." The question of expulsions of violent Salafists could only be answered on an individual basis. Of course, it was possible under certain conditions for "criminally convicted violent criminals" to be expelled from Germany. However, no-one could be deprived of citizenship, "if they have no other".

According to Friedrich, there were Salafist groups already under investigation with the aim of the ban. They would have then been disbanded to escape the ban. It should be assumed that there were about 4,000 supporters of the Salafists in Germany. Without question, the Salafis have "an ideological proximity" to the al-Qaeda terror network, Friedrich told the "Rheinische Post".

The consistent application of the law includes "banning Salafist organizations," said the chairman of the Interior Committee in the Bundestag, Wolfgang Bosbach (CDU), to Die Welt. Deputy Chairman of the CDU Group, Günter Krings said that Salafism could be the breeding ground for terrorism. In view of the violent events of last weekend, he said, such acts always justify deportation, if the perpetrators were foreigners.

Socialist parliamentary group manager, Thomas Oppermann, called for "strict prosecution and severe punishment of such abuses, including bans on associations." At the same time. he made a statement critical of Frederick : "On association bans you cannot just talk big , they must be imposed."

In contrast, Justice Minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger (FDP) warned against a "politically coloured analysis": the rule of law would be able to deal adequately with such problems."

Green Party leader Claudia Roth accused the Union in the "Augsburger Allgemeine" of fomenting "a generalized anti-Islamic sentiment.""The attempt use such a sentiment to make cheap campaign points in North Rhine-Westphalia is irresponsible." The Left Party MP, Jelpke Ulla said: "Instead of crusading rhetoric, a prudent use of the rule of law in dealing with violent religious fanatics is required."

At the meeting of right-wing organization "Pro NRW" and Salafist protesters were on Saturday in Bonn two policemen were stabbed. During another anti-Islamic demonstration of "Pro NRW" in Cologne on Tuesday, ten Salafists were detained.

Source