Radical shock for Germany

2007-12-21 07:48

Berlin - One Muslim in seven in Germany holds radical views and the figure is higher among the young but 90% reject political violence, according to an interior ministry report obtained on Thursday by AFP.

The 500-page report found that 14% of respondents polled expressed "problematic" beliefs that pointed to a rejection of democracy and the rule of law and/or a strong acceptance of attacks motivated by ideology or religion.

Among young Muslims, the figure was higher, with one in four holding extremist beliefs.

"The study draws the troubling conclusion that a potential for Islamic radicalisation has developed in Germany which must be taken seriously," Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said.

"It will therefore be important to recognise and stop this radicalisation process as soon as possible."

Meanwhile 6% were judged to have the "potential" to commit violence in the name of politics or religion.

But nine out of 10 "clearly reject all legitimation of terrorism," according to the report written by two researchers at the University of Hamburg.

The study found that Muslims who are not integrated and have a low level of education were more likely to be receptive to attempts to radicalise them.

Some of the results appeared contradictory, however. More than 40% said that "jihadists" or practitioners of holy war, enjoyed protection by God.

A similar number said it was legitimate to use violence to defend Islam against a threat posed by the West.

The study was based on interviews with 1 159 Muslims. About 3.4 million Muslims live in Germany, the overwhelming majority of them of Turkish origin.

One-third of those polled were German citizens and one-fourth were born in Germany.

- AFP