A Call for a Nationwide Investigation into Right-wing Extremist Networks in German Police Forces
Right-wing affiliations in law enforcement prompt calls for transparency from the Green Party
Berlin (dts news agency) - The Greens are pushing for a comprehensive examination of potential right-wing extremist networks within the police forces, stretching beyond the borders of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Green interior politician Irene Mihalic criticized that the problem of right-wing extremist structures within the police has been addressed piecemeal, rather than comprehensively.
Mihalic told the "Rheinische Post" that several incidents in different federal states suggest that right-wing extremist police officers might be forming nationwide networks strategically using police infrastructure to further their goals. Further unspecified structures also need to be accounted for. Deploying many investigators in NRW is the proper and consistent move, according to Mihalic.
Criticizing the NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU), Mihalic questioned whether Reul has taken the problem of right-wing extremist structures within the police seriously enough. "We are stuck in the logic of accumulating individual cases, instead of fundamentally understanding and addressing the problem," commented Mihalic.
Background Info
Right-wing extremism in Police Forces
There have been consistent reports and investigations into right-wing extremist chat groups and networks among police officers across Germany. Some cases have resulted in disciplinary actions and dismissals, particularly in NRW. Members of the Reichsbürger movement, a right-wing extremist group denying the legitimacy of the German state, have been found in some law enforcement circles. The German government has addressed far-right infiltration in state institutions, including the police, due to overlapping criminal networks with far-right movements.
Government and Police Response
In response, the German government has banned far-right organizations and stepped up monitoring and investigations within police departments. Authorities have been more vigilant, reviewing social media activity, enhancing vetting processes for new recruits, and conducting anti-extremism and democratic values training. Institutional reforms and increased transparency are ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing accountability, particularly in regions like NRW.
Broader Context
The presence of even a few right-wing extremists within law enforcement is perceived as a significant threat to democracy and public trust. High-profile incidents such as the 2022 attempted coup plot involving Reichsbürger members have catalyzed further action. Civil society organizations and government watchdogs closely monitor the situation, with pressure to address underreporting and documenting incidents of racism, antisemitism, and extremism comprehensively.
Summary Table
| Issue | Evidence/Status | Actions Taken/Proposed ||---------------------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------|| Right-wing networks in police (NRW/nationwide) | Reported incidents, investigations; not systemic | Bans, raids, vetting, training || Extremist infiltration in state institutions | Confirmed cases | Monitoring, disciplinary action || Overlap with organized crime | Overlapping in some cases | Police investigations and crackdowns |
The Greens advocated for a nationwide investigation, going beyond NRW, into potential right-wing extremist networks within the police forces, as several incidents in different federal states might suggest the formation of such networks. Furthermore, the policy-and-legislation response to the issue, such as bans on extremist organizations and enhanced investigations within police departments, is a part of the general-news context about right-wing extremism infiltration in state institutions, including the police. The crime-and-justice realm is also implicated due to the perceived threat they pose to democracy and public trust, as evidenced by high-profile incidents like the 2022 attempted coup plot.
