Berlin police probe Pride attack as Islamist terrorism, stressing key term distinction

Berlin police are investigating a fatal incident during the city's Pride event as an Islamist terrorist attack, a distinction experts emphasize is crucial.

“

It is important not to conceal an ideological motive if it is demonstrably present in an attack.

Annelies Pauwels, a researcher at the Flemish Peace Institute, explained the difference between "Islamic" and "Islamist." "Islamic" refers to everything related to the practice of Islam, while "Islamist" denotes a conservative and fundamentalist interpretation where Islam encompasses all aspects of life and society.

Pauwels further differentiated between violent and non-violent Islamist movements, noting that only the former poses a security risk. She stressed the importance of naming ideological motives behind attacks when they are demonstrably present, while still highlighting the distinction between "Islamic" and "Islamist."

“

Islamic refers to everything related to the practice of Islam. Islamist refers to a very conservative and fundamentalist view of Islam, in which Islam encompasses all aspects of life and society.

An attack on a Pride event could be symbolic, Pauwels noted, but violent Islamists target various groups, not exclusively the LGBTQIA+ community. Christians, Jews, and liberal Muslims who do not adhere to conservative interpretations can also be seen as enemies. The worldview of extremist Muslims, like other extremist groups, often categorizes "the other" broadly as anyone who doesn't fit their rigid framework.

“

It remains important to emphasize the distinction between Islamic and Islamist.

Following such attacks, Pauwels stated it's vital to analyze what went wrong, asking questions about preventability, monitoring effectiveness, and potential errors. The perpetrator's young age, 21, underscores the importance of early intervention and a broad societal approach to violence prevention.

“

Violent Islamists see various population groups as enemies, not exclusively members of the LGBTQIA+ community.