Alleged right-wing extremist series of attacks in Neukölln

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A burning vehicle in the garage of a left-wing politician in Neukölln (archive picture)

Photo: DPA / Die Linke Berlin

In the case of a suspected right-wing extremist series of attacks in Berlin-Neukölln, two main suspects could soon be on trial.

The Berlin public prosecutor has brought charges against two men aged 35 and 38 for serious arson, property damage and threats, according to a statement.

One of the men is also accused of fraud in social benefits and corona aid.

First the "Berliner Morgenpost" and the broadcaster RBB reported about it.

According to their own statements, the public prosecutor's office had already raised the charges in May.

The extended lay jury of the Berlin district court decides on the admission.

Justice Senator Dirk Behrendt (Greens) announced: »This is good investigative work.

It was worth it to bring a breath of fresh air to the investigation.

It is time for the defendants to stand trial. "

Attacks and threats

The men are said to have been involved in arson in February 2018 in Berlin-Neukölln on the cars of the left-wing local politician Ferat Kocak and a bookseller who campaigns against right-wing extremism.

In addition, the public prosecutor's office accuses the two of having sprayed several house entrances with political slogans and threats in March 2019.

They wanted to intimidate the addressed residents.

The 35-year-old is also said to have defrauded the job center by more than 10,000 euros and applied for unjustified Corona emergency aid in the amount of more than 20,000 euros.

The men are said to have long been considered suspects.

In a confidential report by the Berlin police special commission »Focus« from summer 2020, it was said that the alleged right-wing extremists had spied on Kocak before the attack.

However, the politician was not warned in advance by the authorities because of a breakdown.

According to the report, the 35-year-old suspect is also said to have "structured" photos, license plates and addresses of political opponents, press representatives and police officers.

For a long time, however, the evidence was insufficient for an arrest warrant.

The Berlin State Criminal Police Office added 72 crimes from 2013 to 2019 to the Neukölln series of attacks, many of which were arson attacks on cars.

Men and women from the left spectrum were affected.

The suspects were arrested last December.

The 38-year-old is currently "spared from the execution of pre-trial detention against conditions," it said on the part of the public prosecutor.

The arrest warrant against the 35-year-old was lifted in January.

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