German authorities arrest teens suspected of refugee shelter attack

German authorities arrested five teenage boys on May 21st, with the charges including an arson attack on a refugee shelter, highlighting the growing influence of political divisions among youth, Middle East Eye reported.

In a coordinated effort, German police officers targeted the suspected far-right terrorist cell accused of violent attacks on migrants and political opponents. Federal prosecutors confirmed the arrests of five teenagers linked to the neo-Nazi group “Last Defence Wave.” The groups aim is to dismantle Germany’s democratic system, The Guardian reported on May 21st.

Officers apprehended Benjamin H, Ben-Maxim H, Lenny M, Jason R, and Jerome M, all German citizens aged between 14 and 18. Authorities accused the first four of them of membership in a national terrorist organisation. The fifth allegedly backs the group. Two suspects are alleged to have committed attempted murder and aggravated arson.

Prosecutors also opened investigations into three additional individuals aged 18 to 21, who are under detention. Police conducted searches at 13 locations across five regions during the operation.

Officials believe the group formed by April 2024 at the latest. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig stated, what is “particularly shocking is that all those arrested today are said to have been minors when the terrorist group was founded.” She added: “This is an alarm signal and it shows that rightwing extremist terrorism knows no age.”

Prosecutors said the group aimed to “bring about the collapse of the democratic system in the Federal Republic of Germany through acts of violence, primarily against migrants and political opponents.” Two suspects purportedly set fire to a Altdöbern cultural centre, where residents narrowly escaped harm.

Ben-Maxim H purportedly composed a speech made in a video by Lenny M before the arson took place. The video encouraged other members of the group to carry out similar crimes. ARD reported that chats involving around 200 users praised Nazi Germany and promoted extensive violence.

Analysts attribute this escalation to rising political polarisation, fierce electoral battles, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Recently, far-right European politicians have been welcomed by Israel, Middle East Eye via AFP reported on March 27th.

Middle East Eye, The Guardian, Middle East Eye via AFP