Islamists in North Rhine -Westphalia: Radical mission reaches new dimension!

Islamists in North Rhine -Westphalia: Radical mission reaches new dimension!

In an alarming appeal, NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) warned of the increased appearance of radical Islamists in Germany. According to Reul, an increasingly offensive Islamist mission can be observed, especially among Salafists. These groups show more courageous and intensify their missionary DA’WA activities, which is a serious threat to society. Reul describes Islamist preachers as an ideological arsonist who are increasingly staging themselves as an online influencer and thereby address young people in particular.

Claudia Dantschke, von der Beratungsstelle Grüner Vogel, bestätigt Reuls Einschätzung und hebt hervor, dass sich alte und neue Akteure in der salafistischen Szene vernetzen. In their “Islam seminars”, they use methods that aim at fear pedagogy and social division. These developments are particularly worrying because they have increased since the end of Corona pandemic. The Interior Ministers' Conference has drawn attention to these declining but worrying trends and demands measures to effectively counter these activities, including club bans and more surveillance on social platforms.

increase in potential Islamism

The current report of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution shows that the number of people who are considered to be potentially dangerously dangerously considered in 2023 at 27,200, compared to 27,480 in 2022. It is noticeable that the endangerment from Islamist terrorism has increased in Germany and worldwide. Especially after the massive attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the threat from jihadistically motivated individual offenders and groups increased. A secure Islamistically motivated attack in Duisburg in April 2023 led to a fatality and several injuries, with the perpetrator stating to act on behalf of the "Islamic State".

These developments are part of a worrying overall dynamics. In Europe, and especially in Germany, terrorist organizations such as IS and AL QAIDA are increasingly becoming the focus. In particular, the activities of the ISPK (Islamic State of Province of Khorasan) are specifically aimed at Germany and Europe. Anti -Semitic propaganda has also increased in the German -language scene, especially in connection with the recent Middle East conflict.

radicalization of young people

The rejuvenation of the supporters of Islamist currents is particularly alarming. Recent studies show that many young people in unstable phases of life are receptive to radical Islamism. A connection between Islamist ideologies and rejection of sexual and gender diversity is also determined. Radicalization processes are diverse and complex, which increases the challenge for preventive measures. A report on the topic describes that dangers are often only recognized late when young people are already involved in extremist structures.

In this context, the need for effective Islamism prevention is becoming increasingly clear in order to proactively counter the challenges of the present time. The state must act determined to counteract these threatening developments and prevent social split.

For detailed information about the situation of Islamism in Germany and radicalization research, the reports of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the research findings for the radicalization of young people from the Federal Center for Political Education . A detailed analysis of the situation in North Rhine-Westphalia also provides KStA.de