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Trial Begins for Alleged Leaders of Right-Wing Extremist Group 'Knockout 51'

The Thüringer OLG in Jena hears terrorism and criminal association charges against three defendants accused of plotting violent attacks and indoctrinating recruits.

Angeklagte in Handschellen im Gericht.
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Overview

  • The trial against three men linked to the extremist combat sports group 'Knockout 51' opened at the Thüringer Higher Regional Court in Jena, with indictments read on Monday.
  • Kevin N. and Marvin W. face charges of membership in a criminal and terrorist organization, while Patrick W., a former NPD leader, is accused of supporting the group.
  • Prosecutors allege that the group recruited and indoctrinated young men with extreme nationalist ideologies, training them for attacks on left-wing activists and police starting in 2021.
  • The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) referred the case back to the Thüringer OLG, affirming sufficient suspicion of terrorism after initial jurisdictional disputes.
  • The proceedings are scheduled to continue through mid-December, with two of the defendants remaining in pretrial detention since their December 2023 arrests.