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The uproar continues around Germany's defender Antonio Rudiger, who together with the German Football Association are taking legal action against a former "Bild" editor who claimed that the player's Ramadan greeting was a show of support for the terrorist organization ISIS.
Roediger, a devout Muslim, posted a photo on Instagram of himself in a white robe kneeling on a prayer mat while pointing up with his right index finger. "Blessed Ramadan to all Muslims around the world," the Real Madrid player wrote. Former Bild editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt responded on X, formerly Twitter, to a series of posts accusing the actor of "Islamism" and of playing "ISIS's blessing to Islamists," using a different term to refer to the Islamic State.
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Reichelt still enjoys popularity on social media despite being fired from Bild in 2021 amid allegations of bullying and mistreatment of women in the tabloid. He has since founded his own online media startup, where he also accused Rudiger of presenting "the Islamist blessing that the whole world has known since the horror of ISIS terrorists."
The German association started legal proceedings against Reichelt, with Rudiger also filing a complaint accusing him of insult or defamation. The German Ministry of the Interior has already commented on Rudiger's gesture and clarified: "The finger known as 'Tawhid' is considered a symbol of the unity and uniqueness of God in Islam. The gesture is common among Muslims all over the world." The ministry stated that the gesture should not be classified as problematic. "It has nothing to do with the fact that Islamist groups are appropriating this symbol and misusing it for their own purposes," the ministry said.
Roediger attacked, and responded for the first time: "The gesture I used is called the Tawhid finger. In Islam it is considered a symbol of the unity and uniqueness of God. The gesture is common among Muslims all over the world and only in recent days has it been classified as not problematic by the Ministry of the Interior.
"As a devout Muslim, I practice my faith, but I Firmly distances itself from any kind of extremism and accusations of Islamism. Violence and terrorism are completely unacceptable. I am for peace and tolerance.
"Many of my family members belong to different religions. However, we respect each other and celebrate religious festivals together. Respect and tolerance are fundamental principles that we all represent in our family.
"However, I also recognize that due to insufficient attention, I have given third parties the opportunity to interpret in a way Misrepresenting my post on purpose to divide and polarize.
"But I will not provide a platform for division and extremism, so I decided to make a clear statement after our two successful international matches. At the same time, I will not allow myself to be insulted and defamed as an Islamist. That is why I decided to file a complaint. This is propaganda and division; I will always defend myself resolutely against it "
I hope this clarification will help prevent misunderstandings and bring the truth to light. I also want to thank the association, which supported me at all times in this matter."
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