German Left Party MP Ferat Koçak Suspends Duties Over Remmo Clan and PFLP Activist Contacts
German Left Party Bundestag member Ferat Koçak has temporarily withdrawn from his parliamentary committee roles after revelations of his contacts with the Remmo organized crime clan and a photo with Ibrahim Ibrahim, a PFLP activist designated as a terrorist supporter by the EU. Published chats show Koçak sending greetings to clan patriarch Issa Remmo and asking his son to share a video. Koçak apologized, calling the contacts unjustifiable. The Greens have called for his expulsion, complicating Berlin coalition talks.
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German MP Ferat Koçak Steps Back Amid Controversy Over Ties to Organized Crime
An article from taz.de reports on the controversy surrounding Ferat Koçak, a Bundestag member from the Left Party (Die Linke) in Berlin-Neukölln, following revelations of his contacts with members of the Remmo clan, a family associated with organized crime, and with Ibrahim Ibrahim, a functionary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), designated as a terrorist organization by the EU. Chats published by former Bild journalist Peter Rossberg show Koçak sending respectful greetings to the father of Firas Remmo and requesting help in spreading a video of his parliamentary speech. A photo from a party event also shows Koçak with Ibrahim Ibrahim. Koçak has temporarily withdrawn from his parliamentary committee roles pending full transparency. The article argues that a right-wing campaign is exploiting these individual mistakes to paint the entire Berlin Left Party as Islamist, antisemitic, and criminal, while ignoring similar or worse conduct by other parties, such as the CDU's invitation of Issa Remmo to the state parliament. The author criticizes the disproportionate focus on the Left Party's issues compared to the CDU's handling of an anti-Semitism funding scandal.
Read sourceGreens Call on Reichinnek to Expel Left Party MP with Clan Ties Over Antisemitism Concerns
The German Greens are escalating pressure on the Left Party (Die Linke) following revelations about Bundestag MP Ferat Koçak's contacts with organized crime figures and a known supporter of the terrorist organization PFLP. Greens parliamentary leader Katharina Dröge publicly called on Left Party co-leader Heidi Reichinnek to expel Koçak from the parliamentary group, accusing him of having a 'proximity to persons who glorify terror' and of trying to 'weasel out' of the affair. The controversy centers on Koçak's presence at a Left Party election party in Neukölln alongside Ibrahim Ibrahim, a known PFLP supporter, and his contact with Firas Remmo, son of a Berlin clan boss. The Left Party has so far defended Koçak, who has apologized and temporarily withdrawn from the interior committee. The dispute is complicating coalition talks in Berlin, where the Greens are considering a coalition with the Left Party and SPD. Former Green Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer advised his party against such a coalition, calling it a 'mistake' due to the Left Party's inability to control antisemitism within its ranks. Baden-Württemberg's Green Minister-President Cem Özdemir also warned against a coalition unless the Left Party clearly distances itself from antisemitism and expels problematic members.
German Left Party MP Ferat Koçak suspends parliamentary roles after Remmo clan contacts
Ferat Koçak, a Berlin-based member of the German Bundestag for the Left Party (Die Linke), has temporarily stepped back from his parliamentary functions following criticism over his contacts with the Remmo organized crime clan. According to Left Party co-faction leader Sören Pellmann, Koçak informed the party that he would withdraw until full transparency is established. Koçak will not attend sessions of the Bundestag's Interior Committee until then. Koçak had previously defended his contacts on platform X, stating he exchanged messages with Firas Remmo, son of clan leader Issa Remmo, and once greeted Issa Remmo politely without initially knowing who he was. Koçak acknowledged that contacts between elected officials and individuals linked to organized crime are unjustifiable and pledged to provide full transparency. Pellmann stated that further consequences would be discussed collectively afterward.
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Petra Pau attacks fellow Left Party politician Ferat Koçak over Remmo clan contacts
A controversy has erupted within Germany's Left Party (Die Linke) following revelations of contacts between party members and the Remmo clan, a family linked to organized crime. Long-time former Bundestag member and vice president Petra Pau publicly attacked her party colleague Ferat Koçak on social media, stating she can no longer believe in his 'naivety' regarding his communications with Firas Remmo, son of clan chief Issa Remmo. Koçak had apologized after a leaked chat showed him sending greetings to Issa Remmo and asking Firas to share a video of his Bundestag speech. The controversy was compounded by Issa Remmo's uninvited appearance at a Left Party election party in Neukölln, Berlin, where he expressed support for the party. Party chair Ines Schwerdtner distanced the party from Remmo, stating he was asked to leave. Dirk Peglow, head of the German Criminal Police Officers' Association, criticized the incident, warning against normalizing criminal structures through political proximity. Koçak has pledged to review his communication practices and ensure full transparency.
Read sourceLeft Party Alliance with Hate: Clan Chief Celebrates Berlin Victory, Hamas Supporter Poses with MPs
An article from Die Welt reports on what it describes as a deliberate alliance between the German Left Party (Die Linke) and individuals associated with organized crime and Islamist extremism. It highlights two specific incidents: a clan chief celebrating the Left Party's Berlin election victory, and a Hamas sympathizer posing for photos with Left Party members of parliament. The article, published on September 22, 2026, asserts that these connections are not coincidental, framing them as evidence of a broader 'alliance with hate' on the political left. The piece includes an image of Ibrahim Ibrahim, described as a 'terror supporter,' with Bundestag member Ferat Koçak at a Left Party election party. The summary reflects the source's accusatory tone and its claim of a systematic link, without endorsing the viewpoint.
Read sourceGerman Left Party MP Ferat Koçak Apologizes for Chat Contact with Berlin Clan Figure
An article from Die Welt reports that published chat messages suggest a closeness between German Left Party (Die Linke) Bundestag member Ferat Koçak and the Remmo clan, a prominent organized crime family in Berlin. The controversy emerged after clan patriarch Issa Remmo appeared at a Left Party election party in Neukölln following the party's victory in the Berlin state election. Subsequently, his son Firas Remmo released a chat screenshot showing Koçak sending 'Greetings with respect to your father' and asking for help distributing a video of a parliamentary speech. In a statement on Instagram, Koçak apologized, saying the reports 'have unsettled the public' and that contacts between elected officials and persons linked to organized crime are 'unjustifiable.' He claimed he was unaware of Firas Remmo's background and communicated with him as he does with hundreds of other constituents. Left Party leader Schwerdtner and top candidate Elif Eralp reiterated the party's distance from organized crime, stating Remmo was uninvited when recognized. The incident threatens to complicate Eralp's bid to become governing mayor.
Read sourcePhoto of Israel Foe with Left Party Politicians Risks Coalition for Berlin Candidate
An article from Die Welt reports that Ibrahim Ibrahim, described as an Israel foe and terror supporter, posed with Left Party (Die Linke) politicians at an election party in Berlin-Neukölln. The photos, which include Left Party politician Vanessa Emde and Ibrahim Ibrahim, a PFLP activist, are said to pose a significant risk for lead candidate Elif Eralp. The article suggests that these images could jeopardize the formation of a red-green-red coalition government in Berlin, as they associate the Left Party with an individual the outlet labels a terror supporter. The report attributes the risk assessment to the potential political fallout from the association, particularly during coalition negotiations.
Son of Clan Boss Speaks Out After Left Party Election Party, New Messages Reveal Ties to Lawmaker
Following the appearance of Berlin clan boss Issa Remmo at a Left Party (Die Linke) election party, new controversy has emerged over the presence of pro-Palestinian activist Ibrahim Ibrahim, who is linked by the group Democ to the PFLP, designated a terrorist organization by the EU. Ibrahim had reportedly called slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar a 'martyr hero.' A photo shows him with Left Party Bundestag member Ferat Koçak, who later distanced himself from Ibrahim's statements. Further, a published Instagram message suggests close ties between Koçak and the Remmo clan. The message, allegedly from Koçak to Issa Remmo's son Firat Remmo, includes requests to 'spread' a video warning against a 'historical permanent debate' on clan crime. Firat Remmo commented on the screenshot: 'We are part of something big. We stand together, we hold together, and we fight for our goals.' Left Party leaders have distanced themselves from the individuals, stating Remmo was not invited and was sent away. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Jan Redmann (CDU) criticized the events, warning of negative consequences for internal security.
Clan boss Issa Remmo and terror supporter attended German Left Party election party
A video report by Die Welt reveals that Issa Remmo, a notorious Berlin clan boss, and Ibrahim Ibrahim, a convicted terrorist supporter, attended an election party hosted by the German Left Party (Die Linke). The event has sparked controversy, particularly within police circles. Benjamin Jendro, a police union representative, stated, 'You can imagine that this also caused a stir among our colleagues.' The article's headline sarcastically notes that Remmo 'at least knows something about expropriation,' referencing the Left Party's policy platform. The presence of these individuals raises questions about the party's vetting of guests and its political associations. The report is based on video footage and a statement from the police union, highlighting the ongoing tension between law enforcement and organized crime figures in Germany.
Read sourceGerman Left Party Leaders Questioned on Clan Chief and Terror Supporter at Election Party
At a federal press conference in Berlin, German Left Party (Die Linke) chairwoman Schwerdtner and top candidate Eralp were questioned about the presence of clan chief Issa Remmo and known terror glorifier Ibrahim Ibrahim at a Left Party election party. The event, which took place in Berlin, has sparked controversy. The party leaders were asked to explain how such individuals were allowed to attend the party. In response, Schwerdtner stated, 'We will clearly ensure within the party that something like this does not happen,' indicating a commitment to prevent similar incidents in the future. The questioning highlights ongoing concerns about the party's relationship with controversial figures and its internal vetting processes for public events.
Read sourceClan Chief and Terror Supporter: Controversial Guests at Left Party Election Party in Berlin
An article from Die Welt reports that the presence of controversial guests at the Left Party's (Die Linke) election night party in Berlin has drawn criticism. Among the attendees were Issa Remmo, a well-known Berlin clan chief, and Ibrahim Ibrahim, a pro-Palestinian activist. The article, published on September 21, 2026, highlights the criticism surrounding their attendance, with the headline referring to Ibrahim as a 'terror supporter.' The event, which was meant to celebrate the party's electoral performance, has been overshadowed by the presence of these figures, raising questions about the party's associations and guest list. The report is attributed to Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH and includes a video component.
Read sourcePalestinian activist linked to terror group attends Berlin Left Party election party, sparking criticism
Die Welt reports that the Berlin state election victory party of the Left Party (Die Linke) is facing further controversy after it emerged that pro-Palestinian activist Ibrahim Ibrahim attended the event. This follows earlier criticism over the presence of clan boss Issa Remmo. According to the report, the activist is associated by the organization Democ with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which the European Union designates as a terrorist organization. Ibrahim reportedly referred to slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a 'martyr hero.' A photo shows Ibrahim with Left Party MP Ferat Koçak. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Jan Redmann (CDU) criticized the presence of 'clan bosses and Islamists' at the party's celebration, warning of negative consequences for internal security. Left Party lead candidate Elif Eralp stated that Remmo was not invited and was sent away, but did not comment on Ibrahim's presence.
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