Germany Reports Record Surge in Politically Motivated and Extremist Crimes

New data reveals sharp increases in right-wing and antisemitic offenses, with digital platforms and foreign influence fueling radicalization.

Politically motivated crimes in Nordrhein-Westfalen rose 42% in 2024, reaching nearly 11,000 cases, the highest in a decade.
Sachsen-Anhalt recorded a 33% increase in politically motivated crimes, totaling 4,008 cases, marking the highest level since 2001.
Right-wing extremist crimes, including propaganda and hate speech, accounted for the majority of offenses, with a 33% rise in violent incidents.
Russian disinformation campaigns and sabotage operations have been linked to efforts to destabilize Germany and amplify extremist narratives.
Government plans to shift counter-extremism programs online face criticism for being slow and inadequate in addressing the rapid digital spread of extremist content.