Radicalization of Youth in Schleswig-Holstein: Extremist Influence, Growing Concerns, and Countermeasures
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Radical individuals targeting younger demographic - Radical Elements Attracting Youth: Emerging Trend of Recruitment
A growing sense of unease envelops Schleswig-Holstein as experts witness the pervasive influence of extremists on young people through platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The Interior Minister, Sabine Sütterlin-Waack (CDU), voiced her concerns during the presentation of the new constitution protection report, stating, "This is a profound issue for our society."
The menace is not limited to Islamists but extends across the entire spectrum of extremism. Sütterlin-Waack further highlighted, "The internet has become the platform where young and old congregate. Sometimes they're there all day. Unfortunately, they seem to lose their receptiveness to traditional media."
Catalyst for Radicalization
Torsten Holleck, head of the constitution protection agency, said, "Via popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, this proselytizing finds fertile ground." This is facilitated by widespread crises, such as those in the Middle East, environmental debates, or discussions concerning a potential war in Europe. Holleck believes these issues serve as a catalyst, increasing the receptivity to adopt radical or extremist viewpoints.
The Identitarian Movement's Influence
The Identitarian Movement, operating under the name Nordfeuer in the north, is also a source of concern. Sütterlin-Waack stated, "The New Right is attempting to subtly control societal political issues with its own terms and narratives, which have clearly unconstitutional content. However, they present their content in a manner that its extremist nature is not immediately apparent." Their objective is to increase acceptance for extremist viewpoints within mainstream society.
Increase in Politically Motivated Crimes
Constitution protectors noted a significant jump of 54.3% in politically motivated crimes in 2024, with a total of 2,677 cases. The areas of "Reichsbürger" and self-administrators saw a growth from 700 to about 800 people.
Right-Wing Extremism
Right-wing extremism has garnered the most attention from authorities. Although the number of registered right-wing extremists in the state decreased by 20 to 1,180, 350 are still considered violent. In 2024, 1,516 crimes were recorded, an increase of 55.5%. The number of right-wing violent acts decreased by 16 to 65 due to a right-wing rock event in Neumünster in March 2023, which resulted in 23 violent offenses.
The AfD Schleswig-Holstein, although not a proven right-wing extremist movement, has played a role in events such as the so-called Day of the Precursor on July 20, 2024, which saw the participation of numerous persons and organizations from the right-wing extremist spectrum.
Left-wing Extremism and Islamism
The constitutional protectors registered 265 criminal offenses in the area of left-wing extremism last year, with 27 acts of violence. Approximately 745 people are still associated with this spectrum. The risk posed by Islamist terrorism remains high. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution attributes a total of 820 people to Islamism, with Salafism remaining the most widespread Islamist movement, counting about 700 people.
Strategies to Combat Extremism
- Legal and Monitoring Measures: Increased monitoring and potential legal actions can be undertaken against extremist groups, limiting their influence in sensitive areas such as civil service, policing, or education.
- Public Awareness and Education: Efforts to promote tolerance and understanding through educational programs and community outreach can counter prejudice and extremism by fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity.
- Political Engagement and Dialogue: Encouraging political participation and open dialogue can address grievances before they are exploited by extremist groups, including engaging with local communities and promoting moderate political voices.
- Civil Society Organizations: Organizations like the Amadeu Antonio Foundation can play a crucial role in monitoring and combating extremist activities through research and community engagement.
In Schleswig-Holstein, these strategies can be adapted and implemented to address local needs and challenges. Building strong community ties, fostering critical thinking, addressing economic disparities, and strengthening laws against hate speech are key components in counteracting extremism in the region.
The Commission is also proposing to extend the scope of the programme to cover the areas of politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice, as the radicalization of youth in Schleswig-Holstein is not limited to a single ideology and has become a profound issue for the society. The internet, which serves as a platform for young and old to congregate, has become a catalyst for radicalization due to the influence of extremist groups like the Identitarian Movement and the increasing receptivity to adopt radical viewpoints, as facilitated by widespread crises and the Push of popular social media platforms.
