Increase in Extremist Crimes Threatens German Democracy, Report Reveals
Germany faces a significant increase in extremist crimes, posing threats to democracy. A recent report highlights a surge in far-right and cyber-related offences, raising concerns about internal and external threats to national security.
Increase in Extremist Crimes Threatens German Democracy, Report Reveals
Berlin, Germany – On June 18, 2024, Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, and Thomas Haldenwang, President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), presented an annual report highlighting a significant increase in crimes by extremists. The report, spanning 400 pages, noted a rise of nearly 4,000 extremist crimes last year, totaling just under 40,000 offenses. Far-right crimes surged by approximately 25%, reaching about 40,600 individuals, with over one-third prepared to use violence.
The study pointed to domestic threats from far-right groups, including the Reichsbürger movement with 25,000 supporters. Islamist extremism and cyber-attacks from Russia and China were also identified as notable threats. The rise of antisemitic crimes, especially following the war in Gaza, and the political activities of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), currently under surveillance by the BfV, were underscored as pressing concerns.
Faeser emphasized the need to address both internal and external threats to Germany’s democracy, citing the influences of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts on German security and radicalism.