Posted on 04/10/2003 2:37:37 PM PDT by knighthawk
Police in Germany have raided 80 buildings across the country in a nationwide operation against suspected members of a banned Islamic group.
A statement from the Interior Ministry said the police seized computers, bank account details and other documents, but no arrests have been reported.
The action is aimed at suspected members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamist group banned in January.
It was the third Islamic group to be banned in Germany following the introduction of anti-terror legislation adopted after the 11 September attacks.
German Interior Minister Otto Schily has accused Hizb ut-Tahrir of promoting anti-Semitism and the killing of Jews, and denying Israel's right to exist.
However, the group's website says it seeks to set up Islamic governments in Arab and Muslim countries by peaceful means.
Campus activity
"Today's measures are a clear warning to everyone that we will act against violent propaganda and anti-Semitic agitation," Mr Schily said.
"This organisation wishes to sow hate and violence."
Mr Schily also mentioned that it was active on university campuses, and hinted at a possible connection with the 11 September hijackers who had been part of an Islamic group at Hamburg university.
Hizb ut-Tahrir was founded in 1953 in Jerusalem, but became known in Germany only last year when it held a rally at Berlin's Technical University involving anti-American speeches.
Twenty-five people are currently on trial in Egypt - where the organisation is also banned - accused of trying to revive it there.
The two other Islamic organisations banned in Germany are the Palestinian al-Aqsa charity and Kalifatsstaat (Caliphate State).
German police have launched a number of raids against Islamist groups in recent months.
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In response, Mr. Sharon, the Prime-minister of Israel, called on Mr. Schroeder "to excersise restraint," warning him that "such excursions are not helpful." He went further to say, "Germany must exercise restraint if it wants to be views as a legitimate member of the inernational community. " He also called upon the Muslim community in France to work harder on reducing the violence in the French territoties they currently occupy.
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