German Politicians Criticize Salafist Distribution of Qur'ans

In Germany, many politicians are condemning efforts by a group of Salafist Muslims calling themselves "The True Religion" that is distributing 25 million copies of the Qur'an translated into German. The books are being handed out on the streets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and through the Internet, all in an attempt to convert non-Muslims. AFP reported last week that Volker Kauder, a parliamentary leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, charged that the distribution was a cover for jihadist recruiting. Germany's Central Council of Muslims criticized the Salafist activity, saying the Qur'an is "not a PR brochure." Under pressure, the publisher involved has stopped printing the Qura'ns, at least temporarily. Security sources and some members of Parliament, however, emphasize that distributing the Qur'ans is protected religious activity.