Press Conference: Current dangers from the Islamic Republic of Iran's influence in Germany

with Kasra Aarabi, Expert for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), London

The Mideast Freedom Forum Berlin organized with Veto! Für den Rechtsstaat organized a press conference on November 7, 2023 from 12:00 - 13:30 on the topic "Current dangers from the Islamic Republic of Iran's influence in Germany" with terrorism expert Kasra Aarabi (London).

The imminent threat of Islamist terrorism has once again been made drastically clear to us by Hamas' attack on Israel. While central Arab states are increasingly striving for reconciliation and peace with Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the strongest supporters of Palestinian and Arab terrorist groups. The regime in Iran is also trying to expand its influence on the Muslim communities in the region and in Europe. The war in Israel is being used to further incite hatred towards Israel and Jews worldwide - including in Germany. Kasra Aarabi explains exactly how the Islamic Republic of Iran is doing this and what dangers Iranian institutions in Germany pose to public safety, using the example of Iranian influence on German universities and religious institutions. Last year's attacks on a synagogue in Bochum and other Jewish institutions by agents of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are only part of the threat situation. For years, the regime has been intensifying its activities in Germany, including the radicalization of young people against democracy, the rule of law and the principles of human dignity. This also includes exerting influence through regime activities at German educational institutions. Kasra Aarabi explains the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Germany and Europe and presents new findings on the regime's activities in Germany.

Kasra Aarabi is an expert on the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Iranian military and security affairs and Shiite extremism. He is the director of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington, DC. Previously, he was the director of the Iran Program at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Kasra Aarabi is a native Persian speaker (Farsi) and holds an MA (Hons) in International Relations and a BA in International Politics, both from King's College London. He is doing his PhD on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard at the University of St. Andrews.

Dr. Ulrike Becker is Head of Research at the Mideast Freedom Forum Berlin
Rebecca Schönenbach is a terrorism expert at Veto! For the rule of law