Swiss martial arts gym under investigation for jihadist propaganda videos
A martial-arts studio in Aarburg is being probed after it posted online videos set to extremist hymns that glorify jihad and depict violent training.
Social-media posts from the Aarburg Kampfsport Akademie displayed videos accompanied by jihadist songs that celebrate armed struggle and martyrdom. The recordings also show a trainer punching adults and children in the abdomen and administering whip strikes, with additional threats of violence circulated in a group chat. Swiss officials have opened an investigation, noting the content resembles Islamic State propaganda and may signal radicalisation within the club.
The gym, founded in 2016 and run by a 34-year-old former activist of the Islamic Central Council, says the extremist clips have been taken down and distances itself from the material. Federal intelligence services have been monitoring the studio for some time, though no arrests have been made. The owner rejects any links to IS, the Taliban or anti-religious violence.
Why it matters
It shows how extremist content can spread through community sports venues, prompting security action.
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