04./05.10.2011
On Tuesday, the administrative Court in Minden dismissed the claim made by a former Muslim soldier, who filed a lawsuit against the German army, as considered his early release from service to be unlawful. The 28-year old claimant, Sascha B., had joined the military in 2006 and converted to Islam during his service time. The army released Sascha B. in the spring of 2010, after he had publicly praised Sharia law as the best way to organize society. Previous to this incident, B.’s religiosity had caused problems, when he refused to trim his beard (which led to a disciplinary punishment) and to teach a young recruit how to use his rifle, as he wanted to prevent him from shooting Muslims in case he was ordered to serve in Afghanistan. The army released Sascha B. two weeks prior to the regular end of his service, as they were concerned about the possible Islamist threat he posed. B., however, based his claim on his right to religious freedom. Yet, the Court decided his release was justified and lawful, considering B.’s behavior.
