Dobrindt Advocates for Expulsion of Antisemites: 'Imported Antisemitism Is a Reality'

The newly appointed Federal Minister of the Interior has inherited a challenging situation, unveiling the troubling statistics on politically motivated crimes for the year 2024. The data indicates a dramatic rise in political offenses, a decline in the resolution rate, and a concerning surge in antisemitism.

According to the Interior Minister, the alarming increase in politically motivated crimes is a result of the growing polarization within society. He warns that this climate has led to violence against individuals and groups, including state representatives and religious minorities.

Several key statistics underscore the severity of the situation:

• Political Crimes on the Rise: The number of politically motivated crimes reached an all-time high since record-keeping began in 2001, with 84,172 cases reported in 2024. This figure represents a more than twofold increase over the past decade and a 40 percent rise compared to 2023. Violent crimes alone increased by over 15 percent.

Factors contributing to this rise include significant electoral events, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the violent attacks by Hamas on Israel in October 2023. These events have intensified societal divisions, leading to increased violence.

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has been tracking politically motivated crimes since 2001, categorizing offenses based on their ideological backgrounds. In 2024, incidents across various ideological spectrums, including left-wing, right-wing, foreign ideologies, and religious beliefs, saw significant double-digit increases.

For instance, right-wing extremism accounted for the majority of these offenses, with 42,788 reported cases, marking a 48 percent increase from 2023. This includes various forms of propaganda, hate speech, and violent acts.

Another crucial aspect of the report is the declining resolution rate of such crimes. In 2023, 47 percent of politically motivated crimes were resolved; however, this dropped to 42 percent in 2024, primarily due to the increased number of cases and the resultant strain on investigative resources.

The Interior Minister has announced plans to enhance police capabilities, aiming for more stringent measures against offenders. This includes improved data retention for IP addresses associated with crimes, increased public surveillance in crime-prone areas, and a call for more police personnel.

Particularly alarming is the spike in antisemitic incidents, which the Minister has labeled as 'imported antisemitism.' This term refers to the antisemitic sentiments reportedly stemming from immigrant populations, particularly those from Muslim-majority countries since the refugee crisis of 2025. The statistics reveal a 20.76 percent increase in antisemitic crimes, totaling 6,236 offenses in 2024.

Although the majority of antisemitic incidents are classified under right-wing extremism, there has been a notable increase in offenses linked to foreign ideologies, which rose by nearly 64 percent. Additionally, incidents driven by religious ideologies also saw significant growth.

The BKA chief has expressed concerns that Jewish institutions and individuals remain vulnerable to attacks from various extremist factions, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action.

In response to the rising antisemitic sentiment, the Minister has proposed measures including the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of antisemitic crimes, while also advocating for educational programs aimed at fostering understanding and reducing hate.

As the number of politically motivated offenses continues to rise, the government faces mounting pressure to address these issues decisively and effectively.