9. September 2024 | BAG RelEx

Open Letter to the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, for Sport and Integration

Dear Sir or Madam,

The short video “The Salafism Trap” („Die Salafismus Falle“), which was shared on the account of the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, for Sport and Integration on the platform X and has since been deleted, has caused great concern for us as the umbrella organization representing civil society actors in the fields of democracy promotion, prevention, and disengagement work. The video is stigmatizing and discriminatory in its presentation. It has also triggered widespread outrage and incomprehension on social media. Before its deletion, the video was widely shared, making it impossible to stop its further dissemination.

As the German Council on Preventing Extremism (BAG RelEx), we represent nearly 40 civil society organizations engaged in democracy promotion, prevention, and disengagement work in the field of religiously motivated extremism. Based on our professional expertise, we strongly caution against such overly simplistic and generalizing portrayals of radicalization processes. Young people and adults alike will rightfully perceive this form of communication as stigmatizing their religion. Such stigmatization and generalization can contribute to social isolation.

The video depicts religious symbols such as the hijab and niqab as signs of radicalization. A bearded man is portrayed as an evil Muslim. The young woman, who falls under his influence, is presented as a helpless victim. Beyond the religious stigmatization, this also carries a sexist dimension regarding Muslim women.

Our member organizations regularly report to us that young people in particular feel discriminated against and excluded by such portrayals. Their religion is effectively demonized, which can foster a stronger sense of protest and opposition toward society among them.

These experiences from our member organizations’ practical work are confirmed by research conducted by the Institute for Social Cohesion, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which examines stigmatizing effects in Islamist prevention efforts. Initial findings highlight problematic associations between the term “Islamism” and the religion of Islam, as well as the definition of risk groups based on religious affiliation. More details on these research findings can be found in Dr. Hande Abay Gaspar’s article in our journal Ligante #6.

A fundamental shift in public communication on democracy promotion, prevention, and deradicalization is necessary to avoid negative consequences stemming from stigmatization and discrimination against target groups. We are happy to offer further consultation and discussion on this issue.

Best regards,

Jamuna Oehlmann & Rüdiger José Hamm
Executive Directors of BAG RelEx

Berlin, September 9, 2024