Extremist individuals receive heightened constitutional scrutiny
In Germany, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz) is keeping a close eye on several extremist groups that pose a threat to the country's democracy and security.
The Reichsbürger, a large group that does not recognise the Federal Republic of Germany, is one such concern. This group refuses to acknowledge the government, police, and courts, posing a challenge to the country's rule of law.
Another group under scrutiny is the left-wing extremists, who are reported to be violent and seek to abolish democracy. Some of these extremists also engage in attacks against the police and neo-Nazis.
Islamism, a radical interpretation of Islam, is another area of concern. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution is monitoring over 28,000 Islamists who follow a particularly strict interpretation of the faith and believe that religion should determine politics. Some of these Islamists resort to violence, using weapons and attacks to achieve their goals.
The AfD (Alternative for Germany) political movement has also expanded significantly between 2020 and 2024, particularly in eastern Germany where it has become the strongest political force in many regions. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution reports that many of the far-right extremists they monitor are members of the AfD.
The number of far-right extremists has increased more than any other group, with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution monitoring over 50,000 far-right extremists in total. Left-wing extremists, on the other hand, number around 38,000.
Left-wing extremists find the system in Germany to be unjust and believe that for all people to have the same chances, the system must be abolished. Some of these extremists attack police officers in pursuit of their goals.
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution also monitors 26,000 Reichsbürger, many of whom are also far-right extremists. These individuals refuse to recognise the Federal Republic of Germany and its institutions.
It is important to note that the Office for the Protection of the Constitution's role is to monitor and report on these extremist groups, not to take action against them. The organisation is an important part of Germany's efforts to maintain its democracy and protect its citizens from extremist threats.
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