Justice Minister warns of the alarming trend as minors increasingly become involved in politically motivated crimes.
**German Authorities Crack Down on Neo-Nazi Group as Five Teenagers Arrested**
**German Authorities Crack Down on Neo-Nazi Group as Five Teenagers Arrested**
German police make significant arrests amid growing concerns about far-right extremism among youth.
The police in Germany have made headlines with the recent arrest of five teenagers linked to a violent neo-Nazi group, underscoring the nation's struggle against rising far-right extremism. Authorities conducted a coordinated raid early Wednesday morning, apprehending the suspects, aged between 14 and 18, in eastern and central Germany. This comes as Germany grapples with its highest levels of politically motivated crimes in decades.
The group, identified as the Last Wave of Defense, reportedly formed last year and has been responsible for instances of arson targeting buildings that house asylum seekers. Prosecutors revealed that three of the arrested teens hold significant leadership roles within the organization, with three other members already in custody prior to the latest round of arrests.
All five individuals, whose identities remain confidential under German privacy laws, face serious charges, including attempted murder and arson. As they await trial, prosecutors emphasize that these young men exhibited a concerning level of responsibility in their alleged activities.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement executed searches at 13 separate locations across four German provinces. This operation involved an extensive investigation that mobilized over 220 police officers over several months. Commenting on the arrests, Germany’s Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed concern over the fact that the core members of the group started engaging in extremist behavior while they were still minors. This alarming development is viewed as an indicator that right-wing terrorism is increasingly resonating with young individuals in the country.
The group, identified as the Last Wave of Defense, reportedly formed last year and has been responsible for instances of arson targeting buildings that house asylum seekers. Prosecutors revealed that three of the arrested teens hold significant leadership roles within the organization, with three other members already in custody prior to the latest round of arrests.
All five individuals, whose identities remain confidential under German privacy laws, face serious charges, including attempted murder and arson. As they await trial, prosecutors emphasize that these young men exhibited a concerning level of responsibility in their alleged activities.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement executed searches at 13 separate locations across four German provinces. This operation involved an extensive investigation that mobilized over 220 police officers over several months. Commenting on the arrests, Germany’s Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed concern over the fact that the core members of the group started engaging in extremist behavior while they were still minors. This alarming development is viewed as an indicator that right-wing terrorism is increasingly resonating with young individuals in the country.
