Police pay visit to Bremer, issue threat warning on 10th day of crackdown on hate speech
The police are stepping up their efforts to combat a rise in hate posts on the internet, with a significant increase in such posts nationwide last year. According to the authorities, 8,011 cases were registered in 2023, a stark contrast to the 3,396 cases in 2022.
The Bremen police, in particular, have been dealing with this issue for some time. They recently visited the home of a 22-year-old resident, a member of the right-wing extremist group "weserems.aktion," who is under investigation for contemptuous posts on social media.
The suspect, classified by the Bremen Office for the Protection of the Constitution as neo-Nazi and right-wing extremist, commented on a politician's post with a phrase that was part of Nazi propaganda. The phrase, "All for Germany," was inscribed on the so-called honor daggers of the SA members and appeared on banners and posters, forming a part of the standard repertoire of Nazi propaganda.
The police urge those who encounter hate posts on the internet or are themselves victims to report them. This action can help in the ongoing investigations and measures against their use. Informing social network providers about hate posts on their platforms is also encouraged, as the content can be deleted once reported.
The police are working in collaboration with the Central Reporting Office for Criminal Content on the Internet of the BKA (ZMI BKA) to shed light on the increase in hate posts. Before today's action day, a significant number of hate posts were processed and forwarded to prosecution authorities in the federal states.
Incitements to commit crimes, threats, intimidation, or incitement to hatred on the internet are criminal offenses punishable by up to five years in prison. Ongoing police measures and investigations into the use of unconstitutional organization symbols are being conducted.
The police are determined to combat the rise in hate posts on the internet, ensuring that the digital space remains a safe and inclusive environment for all. They remind the public that reporting hate posts can make a difference in the fight against extremism and hate speech.
