Right-Wing Extremists Identified as Latest Suspects in Investigation - Increased Reports of Alleged Right-Wing Extremist Activities by Law Enforcement
In the first half of 2025, the Saxon police have identified nine new suspected cases of right-wing extremism among their ranks, raising the total known cases to 122 since 2020. Fifteen officers have been accused of various offences, including xenophobic statements, use of banned symbols and slogans, and bodily harm.
The public prosecutor's office in Chemnitz is currently investigating a case from February due to the criminal use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. This investigation was initiated in response to a minor request from state parliamentarian Juliane Nagel (Left).
Meanwhile, the public prosecutor's office in Dresden is examining a dismissal procedure for an employee of the riot police due to lack of character fitness. The officer is accused of sending "fascist symbols and slogans" in a chat group for years. However, the criminal investigation related to this case has been discontinued.
Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) has repeatedly condemned such cases, emphasizing that over 99% of the 15,500 police officers stand firmly on the ground of our free democratic constitutional order. The public prosecutor offices are actively involved in investigating criminal acts where applicable, while disciplinary measures such as dismissal proceedings are pursued administratively.
No additional details on specific actions taken against other officers involved have been publicly reported, except the ongoing investigation and the examined dismissal in Dresden.
In conclusion, current investigations cover the criminal probe into the use of unconstitutional/terrorist symbols by Saxon police officers in Chemnitz, and the dismissal procedure for the riot police employee in Dresden due to lack of character fitness. Actions thus far include investigations, criminal proceedings where warranted, and potential administrative dismissals for affected officers.
- The ongoing community policy discussions in Saxony are anticipated to address the rise in suspected right-wing extremism cases within the police force, particularly the recent criminal probe into the use of unconstitutional/terrorist symbols in Chemnitz and the dismissal procedure for an employee of the riot police in Dresden due to lack of character fitness.
- The general-news media may consider reporting on the employment policy implications of these cases, as they highlight the need for a clear stance against extremism and the importance of maintaining the democracy-friendly character of law enforcement personnel in a time of heightened crime-and-justice scrutiny.
