The would-be caliphs of “Muslim Interaktiv” are provoking public opinion and the rule of law. Anyone who engages in muscle flexing plays into his hands.

Participants in the Islamist demonstration in Hamburg at the end of April Photo: ABB/Picture Alliance

Isn't “Muslim Interactive” really calling for a ban? You might get the idea when you look at the strange strategy of recording another caliphate demonstration right now, just two weeks after the first sparked debates about a nationwide ban and a counter-demonstration.

But from the extremists' point of view this is probably logical: their social media brand benefits from increased attention, a successful ban confirms their crude worldview and increases their status as martyrs, with a ban that can only go followed by legal procedures in multiple instances to present the German constitutional State in all its democratic tranquility. This is essentially a win-win situation for the extremists and their AfD friends. Without a doubt, both sides can get along with the slogan “Germany = dictatorship of values”, which was seen at the first demonstration.

Difficult to endure for anyone who wants an open and free society. That's why it may be necessary to remember a few principles: bans are so difficult for a reason. Freedom of speech also applies to complete idiots. Yes, here you can go out into the streets to demand nonsense: the end of the world for everyone, for example. Or less chemtrails. Or a caliphate, that is, a system of government according to Islamic rules, if one is smart enough to leave it open when and where it should emerge. If there is no explicit call for a coup or if inflammatory statements are made, it will be difficult to ban such gatherings.

What remains is the ban on the organization. Now, the parent organization Hizb ut-Tahrir was banned in 2003, which obviously did not prevent these branches from arising. Being more informal networks, the structures are difficult to specify; There is no headquarters that can be raided to confiscate documents and assets. “Muslim Interaktiv” derives its mobilization potential primarily from social media, which the German state has difficulty controlling for many reasons.

Danger lurks on the Internet

Basically, one almost has to say: By appearing on the street, the organization almost does a favor to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the law enforcement authorities, at least this way you can see faces and Names. and in the end you know who you have to watch.

However unsatisfactory it may be at the moment, a prohibition procedure must be carefully prepared, it needs material and it must be prevented that the same people simply continue under a different name. Because much more dangerous than these pompous public appearances is what happens online and behind closed doors.

And if an increasing number of young people are attracted to it, that is the real problem that needs to be addressed. “Extremists give the wrong answers to the right questions” is something we hear over and over again in this context. And the right questions, the kinds of questions that schools and other institutions too often avoid, include: Why can't we talk about Gaza? Why do you pretend anti-Muslim racism doesn't exist?

Creative contradiction instead of prohibitions

But, of course, it's all very hard and tedious, difficult to convey when everyone wants to show concise words, grand gestures and decidedly simulated actions. You're grateful for people who simply record a counter-demonstration. Especially when they are liberal Muslims who don't want to simply leave the field to extremists.

Maybe this can be improved next time. A little less majestic and right next door would be nice. In some neo-Nazi marches we have also had good experiences with creative disruptive actions. There is nothing that extremists fear as much as ridicule. Hamburg, let it rain rainbow shine! And soap bubbles. Chant “Shalalalala” after every “Allahu akbar”. At least until the ban is fixed.