Mannheim stabbing incident - What is Michael Stürzenberger, a critic of Islam known for?
Michael Stuerzenberger (59), originally from Bad Kissingen, has had an unconventional past. After studying political science and history at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, he worked for RTL and Sat1. Eventually, he joined the CSU.
However, a significant life event changed his course in 2008. A close friend of his, Ralph Burkei, tragically lost his life in the Islamist terrorist attacks in Mumbai. This incident seems to have prompted a drastic shift in Stuerzenberger's ideology. He distanced himself from the CSU and became part of the "Die Freiheit" party.
From then on, Stuerzenberger crusaded against the construction of a mega mosque in Munich. He managed to garner tens of thousands of signatures, ran for public office, and frequently warned about the "Islamization" of Germany. Stuerzenberger was a prominent figure in anti-Islam activism, and he often appeared at protests, even those affiliated with Pegida.
Comparing the Koran to "Mein Kampf"
Stuerzenberger openly criticizes the apathy of German politics towards the dangers posed by Islam. He goes as far as equating the Koran with Adolf Hitler's notorious book "Mein Kampf."
He also identifies himself as a supporter of Israel and takes a strong stance for Ukraine.
Since March 2013, the Bavarian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution has kept a close eye on Stuerzenberger.
