2024 Saw Record-High Right-Wing Extremist Crimes in Germany

According to local media reports, right-wing extremist crimes in Germany hit an all-time high last year, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday. By November 30, 2024, police recorded 33,963 incidents classified as “politically motivated, right-wing crimes,” as stated by the RND media group, referencing information from the Interior Ministry in response to an inquiry from the opposition party, The Left.

The final figures from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), expected to be released in May, may be even higher due to additional crimes committed in December. In 2023, the BKA reported 28,945 right-wing political crimes, indicating an increase of at least 17.34% in 2024.

Of the nearly 34,000 registered offenses, 1,136 were classified as violent crimes. The majority of the incidents included propaganda offenses (21,311), sedition (5,097), and property damage (1,942). Germany has seen a rise in racism in recent years, driven by far-right parties and movements like the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which have capitalized on public fears surrounding the refugee crisis.