Accusations towards a perceived left-wing extremist group associated with Lina E.
In an unsettling turn of events, the Federal Prosecutor's Office has slapped charges on seven alleged left-wing extremists, including the suspected ringleader, Johann G. These individuals are accused of belonging to a left-wing extremist criminal organization and perpetrating a string of violent attacks on individuals considered part of the so-called 'right-wing scene.'
The crackdown came following the arrest of Johann G., then 31, on a regional train near Weimar in November. Investigators had reportedly been monitoring his activities for some time, given his close ties with Lina E., a known figure within the group.
The group, allegedly headed by Lina E. and Johann G., held militant left-wing extremist views and are said to have been responsible for several vicious attacks across Thuringia and Saxony. They meticulously prepared their actions, often gathering intel on their targets beforehand.
The accused individuals face a barrage of charges, including membership and support for a left-wing extremist criminal organization, attempted murder, dangerous bodily harm, property damage, and severe theft. Four of the accused are currently in custody, while three others remain at large.
One notable incident occurred in Budapest, where Johann G. and another defendant, along with accomplices, are believed to have attacked people from the right-wing spectrum. Several victims were injured in this incident.
In a related case, a person known as Maja, who identifies as non-binary, was arrested and extradited to Hungary in June 2024, accused of participating in the Budapest attacks by the Hungarian authorities. The German Federal Constitutional Court initially ordered an emergency halt to the extradition, but it was too late, as Maja had already been handed over.
Lina E. herself is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted by the OLG Dresden in 2023 for membership in a criminal organization and dangerous bodily harm. The verdict was upheld by the Federal Court of Justice in March. The duration of her sentence remains uncertain, considering the duration of her pretrial detention.
Other reports suggest that the recent arrests and charges are part of a broader effort by the government to confront war-and-conflicts and general-news related to crime-and-justice, with a particular focus on extremist groups. The ongoing investigation into the left-wing extremist organization might also lead to a re-examination of politics involving similar organizations in the regions of Thuringia and Saxony.
