Minister condemns Hizb ut-Tahrir campaign aimed at students

A campaign by the Islamic organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir targeting upper secondary school students is deeply concerning, Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bødskov of the Social Democrats told DR.

The organisation has issued a letter and video ahead of the start of the school year next week. The letter, seen by DR, urges Muslim students to “stand firm in your Islamic identity and carry it with pride”.

It warns students that they may encounter a youth environment where behaviour, norms and lifestyles that do not accord with Islam are presented as natural or desirable. It also refers to pressure to adapt to a culture in which following one’s desires and participating in a “shameless and boundless youth culture” are portrayed as normal and valuable.

Bødskov described the campaign as divisive and dangerous. He said Hizb ut-Tahrir was effectively telling students to keep their distance from Danish values by remembering their Islamic values.

He called on principals at upper secondary schools to take the campaign seriously, saying it was intended to create division among students. Bødskov also said the message focused solely on Islamic values and tradition rather than listening to one another and taking part in activities together.

Hizb ut-Tahrir said the minister and the Danish government were creating division by constantly casting suspicion on Muslims and portraying Islam itself as a problem. The organisation’s media representative, Elias Lambaret, made the statement in an email to DR. Hizb ut-Tahrir declined to take part in a recorded interview with the broadcaster.

The letter also encourages students not to give in to group pressure, to be open, engaged and active, participate in lessons, achieve academically and contribute positively to their surroundings.

Bødskov rejected the suggestion that the message could therefore be seen as positive. He said Hizb ut-Tahrir’s history made the organisation dangerous to young people from immigrant backgrounds and accused it of drawing young Muslims into extreme environments. He urged people to keep away from the organisation.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is described as an international Islamic political party that seeks to unite all Muslim nations in an Islamic state, or caliphate. It opposes democracy and advocates a society based on Islamic law, known as sharia. The organisation is estimated to operate in more than 40 countries, although it is banned in many of them, and began its activities in Denmark in the 1990s. Its membership is uncertain.

Maja Bødtcher-Hansen, principal of Frederiksberg Gymnasium and chair of Danske Gymnasier, said schools should be places where students form their own views and opinions. She said students should be free to practise their religion, but criticised the organisation for instructing them on what to do at school.

She said her experience was that most Muslim students joined the community at Danish upper secondary schools happily and actively, like other students. Schools should be alert and respond if students face negative social control, including restrictions on whether they may attend parties or decide whom they date or speak to.