Berlin clan boss Issa Remmo appears as 'state guest' at EU Parliament event
The head of the so-called Remmo clan in Berlin, Issa Remo, has officially joined a conference against Islamism in the European Parliament. This is fuelling debate in Germany and Brussels, and many are asking how this is possible.
By Patrick Drews & Euronews Berlin with Jüdische Allgemeine
Published on 13 November 2026 - 18:06 GMT+1
Clan boss Issa Remmo from Berlin took part in a conference of imams at the European Parliament in Brussels, as first reported by the Jüdische Allgemeine. The fact that the head of a clan, which in Germany is associated with an apparently endless list of offences, appears in Brussels as a state guest is seen as a slap in the face not only to the German justice system.
Photos show him listening to the speeches and applauding when the discussion turns to the fight against antisemitism. Yet his extended family in the Berlin district of Neukölln is hardly a symbol of successful integration and acceptance of Germany's basic values.
Serious crimes time and again
The 58-year-old is regarded in Berlin as the head of the so-called Remmo clan. The Remmo clan is estimated to have around 500 to 1,000 members, while the core family around its head, Issa Remmo, in Berlin, comprises around 103 people.
The immediate family circle around clan boss Issa Remmo lives predominantly in Berlin-Neukölln. Not all relatives are criminals. However, part of the extended family has repeatedly come to notice for serious offences. In 2023, five young men from the Remmo clan were convicted of the spectacular jewel theft from the Green Vault in Dresden.
Imam meeting in Brussels
According to information from the newspaper "Bild", Issa Remmo took part in the anti-Islamism conference at the EU Parliament at the invitation of French EPP politician Céline Imart and imam Hassen Chalghoumi. Chalghoumi is known as an interfaith bridge-builder and a clear opponent of terror.
The topics of the meeting were the fight against Islamism and antisemitism.
According to the report, the hosts initially knew nothing about Remmo's clan background. Imart later apologised to everyone who may have been hurt by his participation.
In the group photo of the organisation ELNET (European Leadership Network), which aims to improve relations between Europe and Israel and apparently organised the meeting alongside French conservative MP Céline Ismart, Remmo is clearly visible.
Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious representatives took part in the conference.
According to the Jüdische Allgemeine, Issa Remmo spoke in Brussels with French author of Jewish faith Marek Halter about antisemitism and said: "I am not an imam, but I can say one thing: we are all brothers in this world. Let us all live together, together. Where is the problem? Love will win, and terror will lose."
According to Remmo, there should no longer be any antisemitism, and Marek Halter agreed with "Inshallah".
Clan boss Remmo overshadows the Left party's election campaign in Berlin
Issa Remmo recently made headlines for attending an election party of the party Die Linke in Berlin-Neukölln. His son Firas is said to have communicated beforehand via chat with Left Party Bundestag member Ferat Koçak.
The Left party in Berlin-Neukölln insisted that it has neither political nor personal ties to Remmo. He stated in several conversations, including in Brussels, that he was disappointed with the Left party.
