Title: Cracking Down on Extremist Group "Knockout 51": Recent Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Once again, the judicial and law enforcement systems have taken action against the right-wing extremist organization, "Knockout 51." This morning, authorities made three arrests related to their investigations into this controversial martial arts group based in Germany.
A spokesperson for the Federal Prosecutor General in Karlsruhe reported that two individuals were detained for their alleged involvement in "Knockout 51." The third person was apprehended for allegedly supporting the organization. Search warrants were executed at four properties located in Thuringia, with searches taking place in the cities of Erfurt and Eisenach.
In recent years, "Knockout 51" has attracted a following within right-wing extremist circles, particularly those inclined towards violence. The group has notably been active in the Eisenach region.
According to the Federal Public Prosecutor General, "Knockout 51" resembled a right-wing extremist martial arts group that targeted young, nationalist-minded males under the guise of physical training. Secretly, the group indoctrinated these individuals with right-wing extremist ideologies and prepared them for physical confrontations with armed forces, left-wing political figures, and other perceived adversaries.
One of the individuals arrested is said to have been a leading figure within "Knockout 51." He is accused of founding the group at the latest in March 2019 and training members in their right-wing extremist ideologies. He also led patrols through neighborhoods, aiming to maintain order and uphold the group's beliefs.
Another individual arrested was a prominent figure in the far-right scene nationwide. He has been accused of making a property in Eisenach available for use as a training facility and weapons storage for "Knockout 51."
The third individual arrested joined "Knockout 51" in March 2019 and actively participated in martial arts and firearms training. Reportedly, he and the alleged ringleader had devised a plot to carry out a deadly attack against left-wing political activists in September 2021.
These arrests mark only a step in the ongoing investigations against "Knockout 51." Spokeswomen from the Federal Prosecutor General in Karlsruhe emphasized that the investigations are not yet complete, despite these searches and arrests. Contrary to the Jena Higher Regional Court's preliminary legal opinion, the Federal Public Prosecutor General still classifies "Knockout 51" as a terrorist organization.
Four alleged members of "Knockout 51" currently stand trial before the Jena Higher Regional Court, where they are accused of planning homicides using weapons such as knives, axes, and machetes.
