Iran Shuts Down German-Linked Centers in Tehran, Citing Illegal Activities
Iran shut down two branches of “illegal centers” tied to the German government in Tehran on Tuesday, accusing them of engaging in illegal activities and serious financial violations. According to Mizan, the news agency of Iran’s judiciary, the courts ordered the closures for breaking Iranian laws. The names of the centers were not revealed, though photos showed security forces removing the signboard of the German Language Institute of Tehran.
The judiciary reported that other German-affiliated centers in Iran are also under investigation for similar violations. This move comes after Germany’s Interior Ministry banned the Islamic Center in Hamburg and its associated organizations in July, labeling the center as an extremist group with anti-constitutional goals.
In response to the ban, Iran summoned Germany’s ambassador in Tehran, Hans-Udo Muzel, and criticized the decision as hostile and contradictory to the principles of human rights.
