After the attack on a synagogue in Halle an der Saale last month, the topic of right-wing terrorism in Germany has again become the focus of the debate. According to the Federal Government, self-proclaimed vigilantes also have "approaches to right-wing terrorist potential". This is according to a report of the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" ("NOZ") from a response of the Ministry of Interior at the request of the Left Group.
The transition from the vigilante "to an arbitrary advocacy of security and order away from the state monopoly on power or even to a violent action" was fluent. The right-wing extremists would pretend that the state is unable to guarantee security and order, which is why they wanted to take on this task.
According to the Federal Government, however, the extremists also pursued a different goal: "Rather, strangers or political opponents should be purposefully intimidated by the presence of right-wing extremist militia on the ground."
To the knowledge of the Federal Government, there are now groups in almost all federal states. The Ministry does not provide information on the number of members of the civic movements or participants in the patrols. The inner-expert of the left-wing group, Ulla Jelpke, called on the security authorities in the "NOZ" to systematically attack self-proclaimed vigilantes.
Action package against right-wing extremism
Just last week, the Federal Government decided on a package of measures against right-wing extremism. Among other things, the nine-point plan envisages a tightening of arms legislation, more prevention work and a more consistent prosecution of hate and hate in the net.
At the weekend it became known that the Green politicians Cem Özdemir and Claudia Roth are apparently on a death list of right-wing extremists. Cross-party, the news caused horror. Politicians from several parties are now calling for swift implementation of the government's plan against hatred and right-wing extremism.