German government says Neo-Nazis, far-right extremists committed 42,788 crimes last year

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - Neo-Nazis and far-right extremists committed 42,788 crimes in Germany last year, the highest number recorded in more than a decade, the government announced on Tuesday.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt revealed at a Berlin press conference that politically motivated crimes reached a record high of 84,172 last year, with far-right crimes accounting for 42,788—a 48% increase from 2023.

“The greatest threat to our democracy comes from right-wing extremism. That's objectively true,” Dobrindt stated during the presentation of the government's report on politically motivated crimes.

“Last year, we had to deal with a very massive increase in right-wing, politically motivated crimes. That is why we will continue our fight against right-wing extremism and right-wing motivated crimes,” he emphasized.

The minister highlighted the growing violence among right-wing extremists, pointing out that they were responsible for injuring 45% of all victims of politically motivated violence last year.

According to official figures, neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists carried out 1,488 violent attacks against migrants, refugees, or political opponents—representing more than 17% rise from the previous year. At least 1,068 people were injured in these attacks.