German-Affiliated Center Shut Down in Iran Over Financial Fraud

According to SAEDNEWS, Iranian authorities have recently taken action to close a German-affiliated language institute in Tehran due to allegations of financial fraud and other illegal activities. Images released by Iranian media depicted security forces removing the institute's signage, underscoring the government’s commitment to investigating such centers. Reports indicated that additional German-affiliated organizations within the country are also facing scrutiny.

In light of these developments, the German Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador in Berlin, condemning what they termed "unacceptable treatment" of the German language institute. This escalating tension comes on the heels of the German government's decision in July to shut down the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) and its affiliated organizations, accusing them of “promoting extremism and radical Islamic ideology.”

German police conducted extensive raids on 53 properties linked to the IZH across eight states, leading to the confiscation of assets and the closure of several mosques, including four in Germany. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser made the announcement, stating that the IZH was "pursuing radical Islamist objectives" that undermine the German state by promoting extremist views. She emphasized that the organization's activities contradicted fundamental principles such as human dignity, women's rights, and democratic governance.

In response, Iran's acting foreign minister, Ali Baqeri Kani, criticized the German government’s actions against the IZH, asserting that closing the center would benefit extremists and violent organizations. “The decision by German judicial and law enforcement authorities on inspection of premises affiliated to IZH... is an unjustified move and flouts all principles of freedom of religion and thought,” he noted on his X account.

The Islamic Centre Hamburg, which operates the Imam Ali Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Germany, has faced serious allegations, including accusations of supporting Hezbollah—a group designated as a terrorist organization by Germany in 2020 due to its militant actions against Israel. Previous raids on properties linked to the IZH have suggested that the organization could be conducting "highly conspiratorial" operations, although no specific details have been disclosed.

Despite these grave accusations, the IZH has consistently denied any involvement in extremism or violence, advocating for peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. The center has long served as a religious focal point for Shia Muslims in Germany, offering a range of educational services including language classes and religious instruction for children.

The ongoing investigations and administrative actions against German-affiliated centers in Iran and the IZH reflect the growing concerns regarding extremism and the treatment of cultural institutions within both nations.