Four Right-Wing Extremists Given Partial Prison Terms for Attacking SPD Campaigners in Berlin
Penalty for attacking political candidates of the SPD in Berlin results in detainment.
The ongoing threat of right-wing extremism, particularly in regions like Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin, is highlighted by a recent conviction. Four men were sentenced for assaulting SPD (Social Democratic Party) campaigners during election season.
The Incident in Berlin-Lichterfelde
On December 14, the four juveniles traveled from Saxony-Anhalt to Berlin, aiming to participate in a right-wing demonstration. After being ejected from a train, they ended up in Berlin-Lichterfelde and encountered two SPD members at a bus stop, returning from a campaign stand. The court found that the attackers recognized the woman and man by their red hats and attacked them with blows. The victim suffered severe injuries, and the 19-year-old also kicked the man in the head with his combat boots.
Following the attack, there was a physical altercation with police officers, who were also injured and a window was broken. Racist insults were allegedly made, resulting in further charges.
The Convictions and Sentences
The court found the 19-year-old and one of the 20-year-olds guilty of dangerous bodily harm. They were sentenced to youth penalties of two years and eight months and two and a half years, respectively. The 17-year-old received a youth penalty of one year and nine months, and the second 20-year-old received a youth penalty of two years. For these two, the decision on suspension of the sentence was deferred for six months.
The Context and Future
During the pre-probation period, the court will decide whether the sentence will be served or suspended. If the sentence is suspended, the individuals will be free, subject to certain conditions. Three of the defendants have been in custody since the incident, while the second 20-year-old was free.
The prosecutor demanded youth sentences without probation between two and a half years and three years and four months. However, the defense pleaded for acquittal or suspended sentences, citing difficult family backgrounds.
Recent years have seen an increase in antisemitic incidents in Germany, with 2024 witnessing 8,627 documented incidents, 544 of which were attributed to right-wing extremism[4]. Germany has increased its monitoring of extremist groups like AfD and passed legislation to reduce the threat of violence. The party's temporary classification as a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor" has led to increased scrutiny and potential measures[2].
[1] Increased scrutiny of Islamism in Berlin might overshadow other forms of extremism. [2] The temporary classification of AfD as a right-wing extremist entity. [3] SPD campaigners assaulted during election campaign. [4] Antisemitic incidents in Germany witness a significant increase in 2024. [5] Deadly synagogue attack in Saxony-Anhalt in 2019.
The legal proceedings shed light on the penalties associated with right-wing extremism, as four men were convicted for assaulting Social Democratic Party campaigners in Berlin. Community policy and employment policy may need to address the rehabilitation of these individuals, given the various jail terms imposed, ranging from one year and nine months to two years and eight months.
The ongoing issue of right-wing extremism in regions like Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin is further highlighted by incidents reported in the general-news category, such as the recent sentence handed down for the attack and the increasing number of antisemitic crimes documented in recent years, which results in crime-and-justice discussions.
