Germany bans Hezbollah-funded television station

Berlin: The Al Manar satellite television, the mouthpiece of Lebanon's Hezbollah group, has been banned in Germany, an Interior Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

The station, which Hezbollah funds, was also banned in France.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said the station was banned because it did not promote international understanding and it violated the German constitution.

The ministry said the restrictions covered Al Manar advertisements, fund-raising for its studios and the reception of the satellite television station in hotels.

Private homes will still be able to view the channel.