Germany Underestimates Danger of Extremists
Neo-Nazis at a demonstration in Berlin during 2004
Citizens gather and mourn after a terrorist attack claims the lives of five Turkish women in 1993
Police photograph weapons found in a terrorists home after he murders three German police officers in 2000
|
Despite what a majority of the public believes, right-wing extremism is still active within Germany. There have been over 140 deaths related to right wing terrorism since the country's reunification in 1990. These white supremacists, otherwise referred to as the Neo-Nazis, have made their presence known with multiple demonstrations and protests.
Recently, there has been country wide concern about Neo-Nazi targeting. Information has been revealed about an underground white supremacist terrorist group, named Zwicau. Attacks by this group have been relatively small, but extremely horrific. Historically, members dress in bomb jackets and corner people of different races, and beat them to death with bats and other crude objects. Arson attacks have also been used to target Turkish businessmen. The Zwicau managed to remain undetected by German authorities for a surprisingly long period of time. Analysts speculate that this is because this group does not claim responsibility for their actions. Public recognition does not seem to motivate them. When these right-wing terrorists were discovered, the public was able to connect a large amount of hate crimes to this one group. To their horror, the ideals that brought about World War II were not vanquished, but still very much alive. German law officials are under scrutiny for not discovering Zwicau sooner and German citizens have become extremely uneasy. German citizens question their government's ability to protect them. The attacks seem to be localized in west Berlin. German officials caution anyone who may become a target, including tourists, to stay away from this area. Currently, law enforcement is heavily investigating this underground terrorist cell. They pledge not to rest until this group has been apprehended. For now, the public waits to see what lies in their future. |