The German Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office has brought charges against seven members and one supporter of the suspected far-right youth terror cell, “Last Wave of Defence” (L.V.W.), marking a significant escalation in the scrutiny of burgeoning extremist groups within Germany. The charges, filed before the State Protection Senate of the Hamburg Regional Court, accuse the eight young men, aged between 15 and 21, of multiple offenses including membership and support of a terrorist organization, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and aggravated assault.
The indictment centers on two key incidents: an arson attack on a cultural center in Altdöbern, Brandenburg, in October 2024 and a firework attack on a refugee shelter in Schmölln, Thuringia, early this year. Prosecutors are classifying both events as attempted murder, highlighting the escalating violence associated with the group. Further investigation revealed a planned attack on an asylum accommodation facility in Senftenberg, Brandenburg, utilizing pyrotechnics. This proactive planning demonstrates the group’s intent to target vulnerable communities.
Adding another layer of complexity, authorities allege that several members of “Last Wave of Defence” jointly assaulted individuals they falsely identified as pedophiles, facing charges of aggravated assault. These actions appear to be aligned with a broader pattern of vigilante justice and the propagation of disinformation related to child protection.
The significant number of arrests – seven of the eight accused remain in pre-trial detention – underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. Political analysts are already voicing concerns over the radicalization of young individuals within the German landscape, questioning the effectiveness of existing preventative measures. The prosecution’s focus on attempts to portray the group as more than a collection of individuals, but as an organized structure actively plotting and executing violent acts, signals a potential shift in legal strategy towards dismantling future extremist networks. The case is expected to draw intense public and parliamentary attention, inevitably prompting debates about the root causes of youth extremism and the appropriate response from law enforcement and political bodies.