Central Council of Muslims suspends ATIB membership

The Central Council of Muslims in Germany (ZMD) has suspended the membership of the "Union of Turkish-Islamic Cultural Associations in Europe" (ATIB) with immediate effect. The decision was made unanimously on March 21 during an extraordinary meeting of the federal board. At the same time, a motion for complete exclusion is to be submitted at the next representatives' assembly. This was reported by evangelisch.de. The background to this measure are indications of ideological connections between ATIB and the so-called Ülkücü movement ("Grey Wolves"), which is classified as right-wing extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. In its statement, the ZMD emphasizes its clear commitment to the free democratic basic order as well as its rejection of racist and extremist ideologies.

There is also criticism within the association itself: Deputy ZMD chairwoman Özlem Basöz had previously justified her withdrawal from ATIB with exactly these developments. Until the final decision on exclusion is made, the affected association is to be given the opportunity to comment.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Archbishop of Athens called for more love and less fear.

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