Crime against refugees on a downward trend in Brandenburg, but concerns remain high
Decrement in reported crimes against refugees observed thus far. - Decrease in Criminal Acts Targeting Refugees as Reported
In a heartening development, the number of crimes targeting refugees in the German state of Brandenburg has witnessed a significant drop in the first quarter of 2025. From January to March, only 42 offenses were reported, according to the state government's response to an inquiry by SPD state parliamentarian Andreas Noack. This figure represents a considerable drop from the 87 incidents recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.
These incidents mainly consist of verbal aggressions, propaganda offenses, and property damage, including arson and assaults. While this decrease is noteworthy, MP Noack emphasizes that the violent acts constitute severe violations of human rights, and the numbers remain unacceptably high.
The decreased number of refugees welcomed by Brandenburg is also a contributing factor to this trend.
On a concerning note, the state government reported a total of 796 right-wing extremist crimes in the "Politically Motivated Crime - Right" category in the initial quarter of 2025. The most common offenses involve the dissemination and use of propaganda materials and symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations, followed by incitement and insults.
In the first quarter alone, 19 politically right-wing motivated violent crimes were recorded, with one investigation by the Federal Prosecutor General into a suspected right-wing extremist terror cell.
varios instances of hate crimes have emerged in Brandenburg, such as an antisemitic incident in Oranienburg, where a man wearing a kippa was assaulted. In Bad Saarow, two individuals allegedly attacked a dark-skinned man's head against a bus stop's glass in January. In March, unknown assailants threw stones at a youth club in Senftenberg.
Addressing the current wave of hate crimes, SPD politician Noack expressed alarm at the resurgence of hatred against those with opposing views. In the eastern Brandenburg town of Bad Freienwalde, a group of masked individuals violently attacked a counter-right demonstration last Sunday.
Noack highlighted the importance of Brandenburg maintaining a safe space for all, regardless of origin, skin color, or refugee support engagement. He also stressed the need for clear distance from right-wing extremist forces in the political sphere.
The decrease in crime against refugees in Brandenburg, despite remaining unacceptably high, is attributable to the reduced number of refugees welcomed by the state. However, the state government's report of 796 right-wing extremist crimes in the first quarter of 2025 signals a concerning persistence of such activities, particularly in the "Politically Motivated Crime - Right" category.
Politician Noack underlined the need for Brandenburg to remain a safe space for all and emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear distance from right-wing extremist forces in the political sphere, as recent incidents of hate crimes continue to pose a threat to the community's unity and diversity. Additionally, the general-news regarding the resurgence of hatred against those with opposing views, such as the violent attack on a counter-right demonstration in Bad Freienwalde, underscores the significance of community policy and politics to address these issues effectively.
