Muslim State Secretary for Berlin voices her backing for Sharia law in Europe, saying it is 'absolute compatible' with German legislation

Sawsan Chebli, 38, was born in Berlin to 'pious Muslim' Palestinian parents
She said wearing a headscarf was a 'religious duty' to many Muslim women
Chebli said Sharia law 'regulates the relationship between God and man'
She said there was no reason why it should not be compatible with German law

Published: 13:30 GMT, 12 December 2016 | Updated: 18:37 GMT, 12 December 2016

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A politician has controversially voiced her backing for Sharia Law being introduced in Europe, calling it 'absolutely compatible' with current legislation.

The State Secretary for the Berlin Government, Sawsan Chebli, defended Islamic law saying it can exist alongside Germany's Basic Law because it 'largely regulates the relationship between God and man'.

Ms Chebli, a Muslim who herself wears western dress and does not cover her head, defended the headscarf as a 'religious duty' and said there should be no problem with those who choose to wear one.

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Sawsan Chebli (pictured) grew up in a 'pious Muslim' household and although she wears western dress, she said the headscarf was a 'religious duty' and should not be banned

Last week Berlin Mayor Michael Müller announced a new government consisting of a coalition of Social-Democrats, Greens and the left-wing Die Linke party that will rule Germany's capital city.

Mr Müller announced he planned to appoint Ms Chebli, 38, as the state secretary in charge of federal government coordination.

But her comments about Sharia law have been criticised even within her own Social Democrat (SPD) party.

The new Mayor of Berlin, Michael Müller, is coming under pressure to do a U-turn and sack Sawsan Chebli (pictured) before she even starts her job as State Secretary

Erol Ozkaraca, who is of Turkish origin, said: 'Chebli is one of the comrades who wants to build a bridge to Islamist societies. This is absolutely wrong. It's fatal.'

Mr Ozkaraca, who is now threatening to resign from the SPD if the Mayor goes ahead with the appointment, said: 'If Müller takes this decision I do not have an opportunity anymore to represent my view in this party.'

Ms Chebli, who has 12 siblings, grew up in a strict Muslim household but carved out a career as a Social Democrat and equality campaigner, saying she does not see a contradiction.

Making a dig at the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, she told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper: 'My father is a pious Muslim, hardly speaks German, can neither read nor write, but he is more integrated than many functionaries of the AfD who question our constitution.'

The AfD has seen a rise in popularity, largely off the back of its criticism of Angela Merkel's refugee policy, ahead of next year's general election.

Around two percent of Germany's population - 1.5 million people - are now Muslims.

Germany has a rising Muslim population, due to migration, but Berlin-born Ms Chebli said there need not be conflict between Sharia law and Germany's Basic Law