BERLIN - German authorities banned the Muslim Interaktiv influencer group, accusing it of anti-constitutional activities in calling for a caliphate, and raided the properties of two other Islamic groups on similar grounds on Nov 5.

Under the ban, Muslim Interaktiv, which organises demonstrations and is active on various social media channels, will be disbanded and its assets confiscated.

The group rejects accusations that it wants to overthrow the social order.

Seven properties were raided in Hamburg, and 12 in Berlin and the state of Hesse early on Nov 5 as part of preliminary investigations into two other groups - Generation Islam and Realitaet Islam - the interior ministry said in a statement.

Tensions between the German government and the Muslim community have become strained in the wake of Berlin’s sustained support for Israel since the

October 7, 2023 attacks

Chancellor Friedrich Merz stirred them up again last month in comments interpreted by critics as suggesting that Muslim men are a problem in many cities and

calling for more deportations

After initially saying deportations are needed to address what he vaguely termed as the state of urban spaces, he later specified it was a reference to immigrants without residence permits.

Muslim Interaktiv, founded in 2020, drew national attention in April 2024 over a demonstration in Hamburg with 1,000 attendees with signs reading “Caliphate is the solution” and “Muslims will not stay silent.”