Four Radical Right-Wingers Sentenced, Partially Suspended Terms for Assault on SPD Campaigners in Berlin
Imprisonment with partial freedom granted for assaulting SPD election candidates in Berlin
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A group of four radical right-wingers from Saxony-Anhalt were dealt a blow when they were arrested and subsequently sentenced for attacking two SPD campaigners in Berlin. Two of these individuals must serve prison terms, while the remaining two have the possibility of probation.
The Tiergarten district court in Berlin found the 17, 19, and 20-year-old defendants guilty of various charges, including dangerous bodily harm, political violence, and resisting arrest. The court determined that the defendants acted out of political motivation.
The 19-year-old and one of the 20-year-olds were given youth prison terms of two years and eight months and two and a half years, respectively. The 17-year-old received a term of one year and nine months, and the second 20-year-old was sentenced to serve two years. While the first two defendants may have their sentences suspended after a six-month deferment period, the other two will serve their time in youth prison.
These four individuals had traveled to Berlin from Saxony-Anhalt to take part in a right-wing demonstration on December 14. Stranded outside of the city after being prematurely removed from a train, they encountered two SPD members at a bus stop on their way from a party campaign stand. According to the court, the attackers targeted the pair based on their red hats, recognizing them as SPD members, and launched into a violent assault.
In addition to the physical attack, the defendants were also found guilty of inflicting injuries upon law enforcement officers, damaging property, and making offensive racial slurs.
While the court's verdict fell short of the prosecution's demands for more severe sentences without the possibility of suspension, ranging from two and a half to three years and four months, the defense pleaded for acquittal or suspended sentences, citing difficult family backgrounds for some of the defendants.
Background:
Recent reports suggest a rise in right-wing extremist violence in Germany, with a 17.2% increase in right-wing motivated attacks. Studies indicate a strong propensity for violence among right-wing extremist groups[1][5]. In May 2025, German police arrested five teenagers associated with a far-right extremist group called "Last Defense Wave," who were accused of plotting attacks on migrants and political opponents, ultimately threatening the democratic order[1][4].
[1] nytimes.com[4] euobserver.com[5] cbsnews.com
- In light of the rise in right-wing extremist violence in Germany, it's crucial to consider and review community and employment policies to address this issue, ensuring a safe and inclusive society.
- As the general-news landscape continues to evolve, the coverage of crime-and-justice cases, such as the recent sentencing of four radical right-wingers in Berlin, provides insight into the ongoing challenges of political violence and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
