German authorities are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of right-wing radicalism among young people in the country. According to Holger Münch, the head of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the past year has seen a significant increase in young people radicalizing and joining organized structures to commit serious crimes.
Münch highlighted the internet as a key platform for the far-right to connect and mobilize, with radicalization, recruitment and mobilization taking place over social networks and right-wing forums. The BKA chief emphasized that the high number of right-motivated crimes and the quality of right-wing violent crimes pose a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies.
Münch stressed that combating violence perpetrated by right-wing extremists is not solely the responsibility of the police. “This development must be met with a comprehensive societal response to prevent severe violent crimes” he said. The security agencies of the federal and state governments are keeping a close eye on these groups and are employing a high level of control to counter the trend.
Recent events have underscored the concern, with the dismantling of a suspected right-wing terrorist cell last week. Five young suspects, aged 14 to 18, are in custody and are believed to have planned attacks on refugees and political opponents, with some already carrying out arson attacks, according to the authorities. The group, allegedly known as the “Last Defensive Wave” is said to have planned a series of attacks.