German Authorities Ban Turkish Nationalist Group Osmanen Germania

German authorities have banned a Turkish nationalist biker gang called Osmanen Germania, which Berlin believes has ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing the group of engaging in criminal and unlawful activities across Germany.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer outlawed Osmanen Germania BC, banning the group members from all activity.

“The club presents a serious danger for individual legally protected rights and for the general public,” the German Interior Ministry said in a statement, Deutsche Welle reported.

According to the German law enforcement officials, the group has 2,500 members across Germany. Eight members of the club stand trial in Stuttgart

Metin Kulunk, a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and close associate of President Erdogan, fueled money to the gang, German media reported earlier this year. The president of the boxing club is accused of promoting far-right Turkish political views in Germany.

On behalf of Erdogan, Kulunk instructed the group to organize a protest in Germany after German Parliament passed a bill recognizing the Armenian Genocide.