Berlin Inquiry Criticizes Intelligence Agency Over Neo-Nazi Attacks

A parliamentary investigation highlights failures in the Berlin Verfassungsschutz's handling of right-wing extremist crimes in Neukölln from 2012 to 2019.

• The investigation committee found significant shortcomings in the Verfassungsschutz's cooperation with police and its contribution to solving over 70 right-wing extremist crimes in Neukölln.
• Key criticisms include incomplete or heavily redacted documents, delayed information sharing, and vague or unhelpful testimony from intelligence officials.
• The Verfassungsschutz admitted difficulties infiltrating increasingly secretive right-wing networks, describing its successes as mostly 'coincidental.'
• While some CDU and SPD members argued that errors were isolated incidents, others, including Green and Left Party members, described the agency's performance as 'not trustworthy.'
• The committee will next question state prosecutors and aims to deliver a comprehensive report by 2026.

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