German Police Conduct Raids Targeting Elimination of Illegal Structures of HAMAS and 'Samidoun'
On Thursday, November 23, the German government conducted raids on 15 locations in connection with the recent prohibition of activities by the HAMAS movement and the pro-Palestinian group "Samidoun." This information was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Germany.
The searches, which began at 6 a.m. local time, took place in four German states—Berlin, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein. They aimed to ensure compliance with the ban and eliminate illegal structures of the "Samidoun" and HAMAS groups, recognized as a terrorist organization in the country. Specific findings and seizures during the searches were not disclosed.
"Islamists and anti-Semites cannot and should not feel safe here. These extremists must expect the full rigor of the rule of law. We are closely monitoring the Islamist scene," said German Minister of Internal Affairs Nancy Faeser.
According to the ministry, there are approximately 450 members of HAMAS in Germany, whose activities range from support and propaganda to financing and fundraising. HAMAS members and supporters in Germany also seek to influence political and social discourse in favor of HAMAS. However, HAMAS has not carried out any violent actions in Germany.
The group "Samidoun" in Germany gained attention through demonstrations where they systematically denied Israel's right to exist and conducted anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish agitation, including the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
The German government actively condemns anti-Semitic sentiments. Chancellor Olaf Scholz promises to pursue those who support terrorism and those who incite anti-Semitism.
Recall that in early November, Germany announced a complete ban on the activities of the Palestinian group HAMAS and ordered the dissolution of the pro-Palestinian group "Samidoun," accused of spreading anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic ideas.
The ban establishes legal frameworks for the complete cessation of group activities. This means that anyone who continues to be active in any way for any of the organizations commits a criminal offense.
The decision allows the government to confiscate any property of the groups and also prohibits their presence on the Internet or activity on social media.
According to German Minister of Internal Affairs Nancy Faeser, HAMAS was already banned, but this latest step further criminalizes any associated activities.