Salafism: Number of radical Islamists in Germany has doubled

In Germany there are now 11,000 Salafists. Five years ago, it was just half. Security authorities warn: The scene will continue to grow.

Salafism: Number of radical Islamists in Germany has doubled

The Salafists scene in Germany continues to grow according to information from Tagesspiegel. At end of first quarter of 2018 a stand of 11,000 people was reached, it was said on Tuesday in security circles. This is based on trends reported by State authorities for protection of Constitution. As a result, number of most dangerous Islamists has doubled within five years. In 2013 Federal Office for Protection of Constitution (BfV) had reported 5,500 Salafists. It should be observed, however, that increase in spectrum is slowing, said security experts. However, stagnation or even a decline is still not in sight. BfV president Hans-Georg Maaßen had spoken in December 2017 of 10,800 Salafists and an "all time high". This is now surpassed.

unequally distributed

However, increase to 11,000 people is unevenly distributed. The fact that "smaller countries" are more affected is to be heard in security circles. One example is Hamburg. The number of Salafists had risen to 798, Constitutional Protection office on Tuesday shared with m. More than half, a total of 434 people, are classified as "jihadists", i.e. ready for violence. In June 2017 authority had found 730 Salafists with 365 jihadists. The scene is also growing in Berlin, which is also considered a "small country". However, concrete figures are not yet available. In March 2017, Berlin constitutional protection had registered 850 Salafists.

In new federal states, too, milieu is becoming somewhat stronger, albeit at a low level. For example, Ministry of Interior of Brandenburg reports 100 Salafists. This is an increase of 20 people compared to 2016.

There was a standstill in first quarter in heavily polluted North Rhine-Westphalia, said security experts. As in December 2017, 3,000 Salafists would also now be counted.

Date Of Update: 05 April 2018, 12:02
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