The Muslim Brotherhood in Germany – Government Measures, and Why Not Ban the Group?

 

Germany views the Muslim Brotherhood as a leading ideological threat, not due to direct acts of terrorism, but because of its subtle infiltration into social and religious structures. While the group presents itself as a civil and cultural movement, German intelligence services identify it as an organization that seeks long-term influence within Muslim communities — gradually reshaping their values along Islamist lines.

Unlike Austria or France, Germany has chosen not to impose a formal ban. Instead, it has adopted a multi-layered approach combining intelligence monitoring, financial scrutiny, and institutional restrictions. This means the Brotherhood’s organizations can technically operate within legal boundaries, but remain under close observation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

Authorities justify this stance on both legal and strategic grounds. German law makes it difficult to ban associations that do not engage directly in violence. Moreover, Berlin’s counter-extremism model seeks to prevent radicalization through exposure, transparency, and public awareness rather than through blanket prohibition.

Critics argue that this approach allows the Brotherhood to continue expanding under legal cover. However, supporters contend that maintaining legal oversight is more effective than driving the movement underground, where it could become harder to track.

In short, Germany’s case underscores a broader European dilemma: how to counter ideological extremism that hides behind legality, while upholding democratic freedoms.