Islamic extremist flees Germany despite ankle tracker

German authorities confirmed media reports on Tuesday that an Islamic extremist disappeared from Hesse state on May 1, after removing an ankle tag meant to track his movements.

The whereabouts of the 24-year-old, known as Hassan M., are not known. Hesse Interior Minister Peter Beuth said it was likely the young man had left Germany.

Hassan M. had been fitted with an ankle tag last December and put under limited house arrest, after being investigated for serious bodily harm and burglary. He had been required to stay at home during certain hours of the day and his tag kept track of whether he was home or not.

Peter Beuth said an international warrant was being sought for the arrest of Hassan M. The Pakistani national's residency permit has since been revoked.

Beuth said Hassan M. came to the attention of authorities through a number of incidents, including his participation at events distributing the Koran, and his attendance at a protest against the anti-Islamic "Pro NRW" group.

German public broadcaster ARD quoted unidentified justice officials as saying that Hassan M., who adhered to the hard-line Salafist movement, likely traveled to Syria to join a jihadist group.

jr/sb (AP, epd, dpa)