German Police Raid Suspected Far-Right Youth Groups

German police have carried out raids against suspected far-right extremists across much of the country. The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating 36 people suspected of founding or belonging to the groups Jung und Stark and Deutsche Jugend voran.

More than 600 police officers took part in the large-scale operation. Searches were carried out at about 50 properties across 12 federal states. Only Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia, Hamburg and Bremen were not affected. According to Spiegel, the youngest suspect is 16.

No arrests have been made. Prosecutors said the raids were intended to examine the allegations and secure evidence.

According to federal authorities, members of the groups were connected through social networks and personal meetings. Investigators say they called online for violence against political opponents and people they described as paedophiles. Some suspects are also alleged to have physically attacked left-wing activists and others, leaving victims injured.

The Federal Criminal Police Office has warned that new far-right youth groups have been growing in Germany since mid-2024. According to the authorities, several have also been involved in attacks at events held by the LGBTI community.

(bild, bak)