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German State Checks IDs of All Attending Mosques

By Howard M. Friedman

A 2003 law in the German state of Lower Saxony allows police to question and search individuals in public places regardless of suspicion of wrongdoing when done to prevent crimes of "grave and international concern." Yesterday's Boston (MA) Global Post reports that police are using this authority to routinely monitor those attending mosques. Streets in front of mosques are cordoned off on Fridays. Armed police check the identification papers of everyone entering or leaving the mosque. Sometimes police search bags, ask questions, or even bring in for questioning those who cannot show ID. The Green Party is introducing a bill to end this practice of "unmotivated mosque checks" which interferes with integration of Muslims into society.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 12, 2010 (boomark / email).