German police raid far-right group planning large-scale mosque attacks

Over the weekend, police in Germany arrested twelve men in raids across six different states in Germany. The raids came after a nationwide probe into the far-right extremist group.

Police arrest raid fair-right extremist group

Police in Germany raided 13 locations across six German states, following a probe into a far-right extremist group. Twelve men, including four prime suspects and eight alleged supporters, were arrested during the raids last Friday, some of which were undertaken by heavily armed special forces.

The raids were initiated by federal investigators in order to determine whether the suspects had weapons or supplies that could be used in an attack. Federal prosecutors believe that the group planned to instigate “a civil-war like situation” by attacking “politicians, asylum seekers and people of the Muslim faith.” The eight supporters have been accused of agreeing to supply financial support, procure weapons and take part in future attacks.

Since then, reports in Der Spiegel and Bild have said that members of the group were planning attacks on mosques during prayers, reminiscent of the attacks carries out in Christchurch, New Zealand, last year. The alleged leader of the group detailed his plans in a meeting that took place last week. Federal investigators learned about the attack through someone who had infiltrated the group and subsequently launched the raids.

Far-right extremism in Germany

Ever since the murder of Walter Lübcke in June last year, German authorities have been paying close attention to the far-right groups and individuals. The attack on a synagogue in Halle last October also emphasised the rising threat of the far right. In both cases the suspects were found to have extremist right-wing views and motives.

Last December, 48 people were identified as possessing extreme right-wing beliefs as well as being capable of carrying out an attack. Horst Seehofer, Germany’s interior minister, announced at the time that 600 new jobs would be created in the domestic security services and the police force to keep track of far-right extremist threats.