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Germany raids suspected members of right-wing youth groups
More than 600 police officers searched about 50 sites and found no arrests as prosecutors targeted two groups accused of recruiting young extremists.
On Wednesday, German federal police searched 50 locations across 12 states, targeting 36 individuals linked to far-right groups "Jung & Stark" and "Deutsche Jugend Voran," with more than 600 officers participating and no arrests made.
Prosecutors allege these groups organize violence through social media and meetings, recruiting young men while calling for "acts of violence against political opponents and against alleged paedophiles" during gatherings.
Jakob Guhl of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue describes the groups as "pretty young," "explicitly militant," and "not secretive," noting they differ from mainstream movements like the AfD by prioritizing martial arts and street violence.
The raids target threats to LGBT communities and left-wing activists; last year, a DJV leader received more than three years in prison following violent attacks, with victims sustaining significant injuries.
Since 2024, neo-Nazi youth groups have emerged throughout Germany forming nationwide networks, as Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig emphasized that "we must take the threat posed by right-wing extremism very seriously.
German police have raided around 50 homes and other premises where individuals suspected of involvement in far-right criminal youth groups regularly hang out. The suspects are said to be organising violent acts via social media and establishing their network across the country.
Promoters conducted searches in about 50 locations across the country, targeting 36 individuals suspected of involvement in two groups accused of forming networks at the national level