German federal authorities recently targeted members and supporters of Hamas and Samidoun — Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, in a string of property raids. The German Federal Ministry of the Interior spearheaded the operation which resulted in the sweep of 16 properties. During the course of the operation, various materials including mobile phones, laptops, data carriers, and documents were seized. Islamic scholars are assisting federal authorities in assessing these items. Read the German Federal Ministry of the Interior’s statement regarding the operation here.
These raids are a part of the enforcement strategy following a ban that was implemented earlier this month, prohibiting activities linked with Hamas and Samidoun in Germany. The ban was enforced with approval granted by German administrative courts. These organisations have been accused of carrying out activities that contravene the German Basic law. Article 9 Paragraph 2 of this law specifically bans activities that disturb civil laws or disrupt the concept of international peace and understanding. Consequently, in line with the imposed regulatory actions, Samidoun Germany—a sub-organisation— has been disbanded as a result. For more in-depth information on the ban, follow this link.
A statement from German Federal Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, gives weight to the severity of the situation. She is quoted stating, “We are continuing our consistent action against radical Islamists. With the bans on Hamas and Samidoun in Germany, we have sent a clear signal that we will not tolerate any glorification or support of the barbaric terror of HAMAS against Israel.” You can access the minister’s full statement here.
In a counter-response, Samidoun has condemned the action taken by the German government. The organisation accuses the government of terrorising Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities in Germany and criticises the sharp increase in military support to Israel over the past two months. Access Samidoun’s full statement here.