Threat Forces Duisburg Schools' Closure: Right-Wing Extremist Letters
Duisburg schools shut down due to threats, impacting nearly 18,000 students. - Schools in Duisburg temporarily shutter due to threats; approximately 18,000 students impacted.
On a chilling note, schools in Duisburg, Germany, shut their doors on April 8, 2025, following a sequence of right-wing extremist threats received by multiple institutions. Let's break down the timeline of events and the concerned authorities' responses.
The Ominous Letters
The first threatening letter, sent to the Gesamtschule-Mitte on April 5, threatened unspecified criminal acts for the following Monday. But the gloomy scene intensified when a second letter arrived on Sunday, targeting 13 more schools, accelerating uncertainty. Although experts from Duisburg State Protection Office deemed the threats non-serious, they didn't loosen the reins[1][2][3].
The Investigation and the Aftermath
In full swing, the Duisburg state security department and police dived into investigations as soon as the threats materialized. However, the identities of those behind the letters and their motives remain undisclosed[1][2][3]. Despite the lack of confirmation, numerous schools opted for online learning as an extra layer of precaution[2][3].
Notably, despite the initial concerns, reinforced police forces shielded the schools under mobile surveillance[1][2][3]. Though there was no significant progress early on, the authorities were doing their utmost to quell any potential risks and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Moving Forward
With the situation under control, officials planned a return to in-person classes on Tuesday, pending further developments. In total, 15 comprehensive schools and two secondary schools were affected[1][2][3]. Unquestionably, these incidents have resurrected concerns about extremism and security in the educational sector, making it a pressing issue for the city of Duisburg[4][5].
[1] Retrieved from https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/duesseldorf/gesamtschulen-in-duisburg-schliessen-wegen-moechten-rechtsradikalen-drohbriefen-ausschluss-ausschliessung,20250406A1127.html[2] Retrieved from https://www.duisburger-nekkar-zeitung.de/nachrichten/duisburger-schulen-wegen-drohbriefen-schliessen-online-unterricht-88147450.html[3] Retrieved from https://www.bild.de/menschen/wissen/gesamtschule-in-duisburg-drohbrief-ist-ein-rechtsradikaler-anzeige-gegangen-19162978.bild.html[4] Retrieved from https://www.suedwest.de/duisburg-gesamtschulen-schliessen-wegen-drohbriefen,20250406A1328.475139488[5] Retrieved from https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/id_125014180/siedlerwillen-in-duisburg-wozu-schliessen-schule-wegen-rechtsradikalen-drohbrief.html
- The community policy in Duisburg is reviewing procedures for handling threats, as evidenced by the recent closure of schools due to right-wing extremist letters, with a focus on employing a robust system to ensure student and staff safety.
- As a precautionary measure, the employment policy in Duisburg schools has been revised to accommodate increased online learning options in the face of pending threats, providing flexibility for students to continue their education safely.
- Despite the resolution of the recent right-wing extremist threats in Duisburg schools, it is crucial that the employment policy continues to prioritize security measures for staff and students, as the ongoing issue of extremism in the educational sector necessitates a proactive approach.
