15./21./ 23.11.2011
In light of recent findings related to right-wing terrorism in Germany, many German Muslims are concerned about potential attacks and Muslim organisations have called for a firm fight against right-wing terrorism, racism, and Islamophobia. The chair of the Islam Council, Ali Kizilkaya, for instance, criticised that German security authorities have focused too much on Islamism and Islamic fundamentalism, while developments in the right-wing milieu have been largely ignored. He called on German authorities to ensure that people can feel safe again. Similarly, Bekir Alboga, spokesperson for the Coordindation Council of Muslims, the umbrella organisation established by four major Muslim organisations in Germany in 2007, summarised the current fear amongst Muslims and the call for action in an open letter to the government (Frankfurter Rundschau). Alboga criticised that the authorities’ focus on an “imaginary threat” posed by Islamism allowed right-wing extremism in Germany to flourish almost unrestrictedly. He then stressed the urgent need for action against right-wing extremism and to protect Muslims in Germany. The Coordination Council also called for a greater appreciation of Germany’s diversity and a culture of acceptance and tolerance.
Prior to the publication of Alboga’s open letter, Foreign Minister Westerwelle expressed his shock about the recent findings. He emphasized that there was no place in Germany for xenophobia, racism, and extremism. Furthermore, as Focus online reports, he promised a thorough investigation into the actions and workings of the Neo-Nazi network.
Meanwhile, Aiman Mazyek, Chair of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, welcomed the intention to hold a memorial service for those killed by the Neo-Nazi group. At the same time, he called on German authorities to publicly acknowledge Islam as part of German society and suggested to do so during the service by reading from the Koran.
