German Extremist Groups Warn of Growing Threat from Young, Violent Right-Wing Extremists
A recent internal police document, reported by the Spiegel, has highlighted the increasing concern of law enforcement agencies regarding the rising threat of young, violent right-wing extremists. According to the document, “very young, or even underage, individuals have come under increased scrutiny by the security authorities in connection with planned attacks.”
Experts suggest that these young individuals, often still in the process of forming their values, are more susceptible to extremist propaganda. The report specifically identifies chat groups on the messaging platform Telegram, where many young internet users have been found to glorify right-wing extremist attackers, as a particularly dangerous phenomenon. This “Terrorgram scene” has raised alarm bells among experts and law enforcement officials.
In late May, the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Federal Criminal Police Office launched an investigation into the neo-Nazi group “Letzte Verteidigungswelle.” Eight suspects, aged between 14 and 21, are currently in custody, accused of membership or support of a terrorist organization. Two alleged members of the group are believed to have carried out a arson attack on a cultural center, while other planned terror attacks by the group reportedly failed.