An estimated 2,300 people participated in a demonstration organized by the Islamist group in the German port city of on Saturday, according to police.
The group, classified as extremist by German security authorities, called for the protest under the banner of opposing “censorship and the dictates of opinion.”
This follows a previous demonstration in late April where participants displayed signs with the words “Caliphate is the solution.” It came against the backdrop of , and sparked uproar in Germany and .
Strict conditions imposed on demonstration
Despite the group’s extremist classification, authorities allowed Saturday’s demonstration to proceed under strict conditions.
These included bans on incitement of hatred, violence, and the denial of Israel’s right to exist.
Under the rules, participants were also forbidden to call for a caliphate to take over Germany in word, image, or writing.
Ahead of the event, welcomed the strict conditions.
What the interior minister said
Faeser said the conditions allowed the police to pursue an “immediate, hard intervention” if necessary.
“In Germany, there are equal rights for women, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression,” Faeser told the Funke newspaper group.
“Anyone who would rather live in a caliphate, and therefore in the Stone Age, is against everything that Germany stands for. We defend our constitution — with the means of our constitution.”
In response to the caliphate rally, to voice their opposition to the message and their support for democracy.
rc/lo (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)
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