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The training of imams in Germany aims to prevent the radicalization of young people. Before the Islam Conference, Interior Minister Seehofer demanded that Turkey limit the number of preachers sent.
Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer stressed the importance of training German imams in the fight against Islamist radicalization in Germany. Therefore, this is one of the focal points for this year’s Islam Conference.
The new course for German-speaking imams in Osnabrück, funded by the Interior Ministry, was “money well spent for social cohesion,” Seehofer said. He expressed his satisfaction with the initiative, but also praised the training center launched in Germany by the Turkish umbrella organization Ditib last year. The training there is also in German.
Implement trained magnets in communities
Looking ahead to the latest series of Islamist attacks in Europe, Seehofer stressed that the events will not hamper cooperation between state institutions and Muslim associations in Germany. Projects that have already started will be continued. “We will not let terrorism and extremism divert us,” emphasized the CSU politician before the start of the Islam Conference.
Seehofer demanded that Turkey limit the number of magnets sent from there. Hope this is done step by step. It is also in exchange with other European countries. France and the Netherlands have similar goals. If Europe becomes the home of Muslims, “there will no longer be a need for outside interference or influences,” Seehofer said. “We ourselves care about our Muslim citizens.”
Fight against terrorists, not against Islam
Seehofer described the latest attacks as “a threat to the foundations of our coexistence.” They want to “destroy our open society at its core.” The national politician emphasized that Germany is not fighting against Islam, but against terrorists and extremists. Furthermore, the biggest threat in Germany at the moment comes from racists and right-wing extremists.
In his opening speech, Seehofer also mentioned the fatal attack on teacher Samuel Paty in France. Seehofer said it was important to clearly distinguish criticism of religion and Islam from hostility towards Islam. According to investigators, Paty was murdered by an 18-year-old in mid-October for showing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in class on the subject of freedom of expression. His body was found decapitated. The act had caused great horror in France.
After the attacks in Paris, Nice and Vienna, among others, Germany, France and Austria are planning an initiative against Islamist terrorism. Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss this with French President Emmanuel Macron and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in the afternoon.
Seehofer: Dialogue with Muslims on the right path
In general, Seehofer praised the dialogue between the state and Muslims. This is now “much more relaxed” than before, he said. Efforts for mutual understanding and good coexistence will pay off. “We will continue on this path.”
