German court rules Turkish-Muslim group can continue teaching religion

By Mesut Zeyrek

KOLN (AA) - A court in Germany on Friday ruled that the Turkish-Muslim umbrella group, DITIB, which was prevented from teaching religion in the state of Hessen, could continue with lessons.

The Wiesbaden Administrative Court found it unlawful to prevent the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs from teaching religion as of April 28, 2020, by the Hessen Culture Ministry.

The court said DITIB could again give lessons in Hessen, as it did from 2013 - 2014 and 2019-2020.

DITIB Hessen State Union expressed satisfaction with the decision.

“Islamic religious lessons will be offered again to Hessian Muslim students, teachers and parents, including their constitutionally fundamental rights, with its pedagogical and didactic advantages,” it said.

“Within the framework of a curriculum, school accompaniment and opportunity will be provided for them to receive a scientific education,” it added.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar