Hesse’s Prime Minister
Rhein wants to take more consistent action against Islamist demonstrations
Boris Rhein believes it is important to provide the responsible authorities with the best possible personnel and expertise. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
Hesse’s Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) has called for more consistent action against demonstrations by Islamists and more staff for regulatory authorities. “Bans often fail because the regulatory authorities give poor reasons for them,” said Rhein, who is currently chairman of the Prime Minister’s Conference, to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). “It is therefore important to equip the responsible authorities with the best possible personnel and expertise in order to be able to take action against such unspeakable Islamist demonstrations.” Demonstrations of this kind must be banned wherever possible.
Hesse’s Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) has taken a more consistent approach against demonstrations Islamists and more staff for law enforcement agencies demanded. “Bans often fail because the regulatory authorities give poor reasons for them,” said Rhein, who is currently chairman of the Prime Minister’s Conference, to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). “It is therefore important to equip the responsible authorities with the best possible personnel and expertise in order to be able to take action against such unspeakable Islamist demonstrations.” Demonstrations of this kind must be banned wherever possible.
Last weekend, a demonstration organized by Islamists in Hamburg caused outrage. The more than 1,000 participants aggressively denounced allegedly Islamophobic policies and media reporting. In addition, a caliphate was called for as a solution to social problems – even if only for Islamic states. The rally was organized by the group Muslim Interaktiv, which is classified as definitely extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The caliphate as a form of rule dates from the time after the death of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammed, in 632 AD and names a system based on Islamic law.
Rhein also insisted on strict requirements and controls as well as rapid intervention in the event of violations. “If the requirements are violated, we must not dwell on it for long. Such demonstrations must then be disbanded immediately. But the police always need the backing of politicians.” Nobody is forced “to live in our democratic country. But anyone who wants to do so must respect and follow the separation of church and state. We are a constitutional state and not a theocracy.” The topic of the fight against Islamism will also be discussed at the Prime Minister’s Conference on June 20, said Rhein.