Right-wing extremism - "Knockout 51" trial: prison sentences for all defendants
In the "Knockout 51" trial, the State Protection Chamber has sentenced four members of the far-right combat sports group to prison terms. Three of the accused are to serve sentences of three years and ten months, two years and six months, and two years and two months respectively. The fourth accused received a juvenile sentence of two years and six months. All four accused were members of the far-right group "Knockout 51," according to the presiding judge of the chamber, Martin Giebel, during the pronouncement of the judgment.
Court: Group against Democracy
The group was more than just an apolitical combat sports association. "The real purpose of this group was in fact the offensive propagation of right-wing extremist ideology," said Giebel. The group had a national socialist orientation and was directed against democracy. As members of this group, the now convicted individuals, according to the court, had committed numerous acts of bodily harm and in some cases violated the weapons law.
General Federal Prosecutor: Also a terrorist organization
With his judgment, the Higher Regional Court does not follow the assessment of the General Federal Prosecutor, who sees "Knockout 51" as a terrorist organization. The group, according to the court, was directed towards the commission of bodily harm, not towards murder and manslaughter, said Giebel.
The judgment is not yet legally binding.
- The far-right martial arts group "Knockout 51," convicted in the "Knockout 51" trial, had a national socialist orientation and was identified as being against democracy by the court.
- Despite the Higher Regional Court's judgment, the General Federal Prosecutor still considers "Knockout 51" to be a terrorist organization, although the group was primarily focused on committing acts of bodily harm, not murder or manslaughter.
- Three members of the "Knockout 51" group were sentenced to serve prison terms of three years and ten months, two years and six months, and two years and two months respectively, while a fourth received a juvenile sentence of two years and six months.
- The group's activities in Thuringia, Germany, included numerous acts of bodily harm and violations of the weapons law, according to the court.
- The "Knockout 51" trial and subsequent prison sentences are a clear indication that right-wing extremism and criminal activity will not be tolerated in Germany, and that democracy will be upheld and protected against all forms of extremism.
