714 neo-Nazis in Germany remain on the loose despite arrest warrants

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
Today 18:39
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The German government has revealed that 714 neo-Nazis remain free despite arrest warrants, as right-wing crimes hit record levels, sparking political concern.

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Far-right supporters chant slogans during a protest, a day before the German election, in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

The German government has acknowledged that hundreds of neo-Nazis remain free across the country despite active arrest warrants, raising new concerns about the authorities’ handling of far-right extremism.

According to German media reports on Sunday, the admission came in response to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by the opposition Left Party and published by the RND editorial network.

The data revealed that 714 neo-Nazis in Germany are currently evading law enforcement despite being wanted for various offenses. Of these, 115 individuals are believed to be abroad, including 20 in Poland and 13 in Austria.

Notably, 39 of those outside the country are wanted for violent crimes, highlighting what lawmakers and experts have called a long-standing and dangerous gap in law enforcement.

Dozens of extremists sought for violent crimes abroad

The latest figures come amid growing alarm over the persistence of right-wing extremist networks within Germany and their ability to avoid prosecution. Many of the individuals listed are linked to violent or hate-related offenses, yet have managed to flee or remain undetected.

Authorities have previously struggled with international coordination in apprehending fugitives, particularly when suspects cross into countries with limited extradition agreements or weak enforcement cooperation.

Opposition demands stronger action against right-wing threat

Reacting to the revelation, Clara Bunger, a domestic policy expert from the Left Party, condemned the lack of progress in reducing the number of outstanding arrest warrants for far-right offenders.

“The number of outstanding arrest warrants against right-wing extremists has remained at an alarmingly high level for years,” Bunger said. “The authorities can no longer stand idly by; they must prioritize this problem.”

Her statement reflects a broader concern within German politics that right-wing extremism in Germany is not being treated with the urgency it requires, especially as far-right networks become more active both online and offline.

Far-right crimes in Germany surge to record high

According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), right-wing crimes surged to historic levels in 2024. The agency recorded 42,788 far-right offenses, representing an increase of nearly 50% over the previous year, the highest figure since such data collection began in 2001.

The spike includes incidents ranging from hate speech and incitement to acts of violence and property destruction.

Experts warn that the current trends, coupled with the failure to detain known extremists, could embolden far-right groups and deepen threats to democratic institutions and public safety.