Germany bans neo-Nazi group with links to US, conducts raids in 10 German states

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Germany has taken decisive action against the neo-Nazi group Hammerskins Germany, which has ties to the United States, by imposing a ban and conducting extensive raids across 10 German states. This group, considered an offshoot of an American right-wing extremist organization, has maintained a prominent presence throughout Europe.

Originating from the Hammerskins Nation, established in the United States in 1988, the German Interior Ministry has classified Hammerskins Germany as an offshoot. Within the global context, members of this organization identify themselves as “brothers” and regard their affiliation as an exclusive “brotherhood,” adhering to a subcultural way of life. Additionally, the group positions itself as the elite of the right-wing extremist skinhead movement, as asserted by the ministry.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the significance of this ban, characterizing it as a significant blow against organized right-wing extremism. The prohibition encompasses the association’s regional chapters and its sub-organization, Crew 38. Faeser underscored the ban’s role in curbing the inhumane activities of an internationally active neo-Nazi group within Germany and highlighted its message against racism and antisemitism.

Within Germany, the Hammerskins Germany consists of approximately 130 members. During the early morning operations spanning 10 states, law enforcement executed searches at the residences of 28 group members, although it remains unclear if any arrests were made.

Preceding the ban, the German federal and state governments engaged in over a year of close cooperation. Faeser noted that collaboration extended to their American counterparts in addressing this issue.

Central to the group’s ideology is the promotion of a racial doctrine rooted in Nazi ideology. Hammerskins Germany’s primary aim is to solidify its right-wing extremist worldview, with a particular focus on organizing concerts to attract non-members for radicalization, according to the ministry.

The international network of this right-wing extremist group is notably characterized by the dissemination of recordings featuring right-wing extremist and antisemitic music, the orchestration of right-wing extremist concerts, and the sale of related merchandise.

This ban on Hammerskins Germany marks the 20th prohibition of a right-wing extremist association by the German Interior Ministry, reflecting the nation’s commitment to countering such ideologies.

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• Germany bans neo-Nazi group with links to US, conducts raids in 10 German states
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• Interior Ministry – Germany