Significant Rise in Right-Wing Violence in Saxony Driven by Racism

A recent report highlights a concerning increase in right-wing motivated violence in Saxony, with incidents rising by 32% over the past year. According to victim support organizations, there are indications of organized neo-Nazi structures operating within the region.

In 2024, support centers in Saxony recorded a total of 328 violent acts categorized as right-wing motivated, impacting at least 446 individuals. This marks a significant increase compared to the previous year when 248 incidents were documented, affecting 380 victims.

Andrea Hübler, project leader at the RAA Saxony's support service for victims, noted that the rise in violence is widespread, although certain urban areas such as Chemnitz, Dresden, and Leipzig, along with the districts of Görlitz, Bautzen, Leipzig, and Zwickau, remain hotspots for such incidents. The types of violence reported primarily involve physical assaults, coercion, and threats.

Racism continues to be identified as the predominant motive behind these attacks. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in assaults targeting political opponents. Reports also include three anti-Semitic incidents and two attacks thought to be motivated by social Darwinism, specifically targeting homeless individuals.

According to the RAA statistics, areas like Meißen and Mittelsachsen have seen alarming surges in violent acts. The Saxon Ministry of the Interior reported an increase from 75 to 124 right-wing motivated incidents in 2024. The discrepancy between governmental figures and those reported by victim support services may be attributed to unreported cases, as many victims seek support without formally filing complaints.

Hübler emphasizes that the region is facing a resurgence of organized neo-Nazi groups, which are reportedly rebranding themselves as youth camaraderies. These groups are becoming increasingly visible and aggressive, participating in demonstrations and seeking to intimidate local communities.

There has also been a rise in threats related to right-wing extremism, with targeted intimidation tactics aimed at silencing victims. A case was cited in Meißen, where a mock Molotov cocktail, a candle adorned with a swastika, and a racist threat directed at Muslims and individuals from Ukraine were left outside a Diakonie office.

Petra Köpping, Saxony's Minister for Democracy, expressed grave concern over the persistent incidents of racist violence, highlighting daily occurrences in the region. She pointed out that attacks on campaign workers and political representatives are direct assaults on democratic principles. The troubling reorganization of right-wing extremist groups, which are actively recruiting youth, adds to the urgency of the situation.

In response to the rising violence, the RAA Saxony's support service has provided assistance in 397 cases throughout 2024, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures against right-wing extremism.