In 2023, incidents of right-wing violence increased significantly.
The Federal Criminal Police Office expects more than 60,000 politically motivated crimes in 2023, a notable hike. Nearly half will be committed by right-wing extremists. But, another category has become more active than ever.
The number of politically fueled crimes in Germany increased last year. This is as per the 2023 Case Figures for Politically Motivated Crime, presented by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and the President of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Holger Münch, in Berlin. Cases related to right-wing extremism were the most frequent, with 28,945 incidents - a hefty 23% jump compared to 2022.
However, the most significant surge was seen in religiously motivated crimes: The Federal Criminal Police Office reported a whopping 203% increase to 1458, surging from 481 in 2022. This rise became particularly evident following the Hamas attack on Israel in October last year. The number of crimes motivated by left-wing extremism also saw an uptick, rising by 11.5% to 7777 from 6976 in 2022.
Faeser remarked on the surge of such crimes, stating that the open and liberal society needs to show no tolerance for this violence. Furthermore, the judiciary is accountable, just like the police. To stem the violence, she insisted on a high investigative pressure and speedy legal processes with clear consequences.
Green Party Chairperson Omid Nouripour considered the BKA figures "alarming" and a "call to action for all democrats". Nouripour stated to ntv.de, "The steep rise in right-wing extremist crimes is notably concerning." Notably, since October 7, the day of the Hamas attack on Israel, there has been a dramatic uptick in anti-Semitic crimes from all extremist camps.
Nouripour emphasized the need to analyze how democracy might be better protected and the security authorities strengthened. "Quality equipment and more vigorous cooperation between the security authorities are pivotal here." The Green politician suggested uncompromising prosecution and more preemptive actions, such as democracy education.
Nearly doubled compared to 2013
Münch pointed out that politically motivated crimes have almost doubled in ten years and continue to escalate. He cautioned that there are radicalization tendencies in the population, posing risks to the state's standing and social harmony. Münch urged caution over these concerning developments, which have the potential to jeopardize our democracy and social peace.
As per the report, momentous declines occurred in the areas that were previously synonymous with protests against the COVID-19 restrictions. In all other occurrence groups, however, violent crimes rose. Consequently, the overall number of politically motivated crimes skyrocketed by 1.89% to 60,028 in 2023.
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Source: www.ntv.de
