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Germany's Neo-Nazis & the Far Right (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

FRONTLINE PBS | Official・2 minutes read

Germany faces a resurgence of far-right extremism, with the first far-right political assassination since World War II and ongoing threats from groups like Nordkreuz planning attacks. Challenges in monitoring online radicalization and prosecuting extremists highlight disparities in handling far-right extremism compared to Islamist threats, raising concerns about the rise of far-right violence and undermining democratic systems in Germany.

Insights

  • Online far-right networks play a significant role in radicalizing individuals like Stefan Balliot, leading to deadly terror attacks driven by anti-Semitic beliefs, posing challenges for authorities in monitoring and preventing such threats.
  • Germany's struggle with far-right extremism extends beyond isolated incidents, with organized groups like Nordkreuz planning for a collapse of the state to establish far-right control, revealing disparities in legal treatment compared to Islamist threats and highlighting the need to address extremism within the military and society to safeguard democratic systems.

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Recent questions

  • What is the current threat of far-right extremism in Germany?

    The threat of far-right extremism in Germany is significant, as evidenced by recent events such as the attack on a synagogue in Halle and the rise of groups like Nordkreuz planning for "Day X" to seize control. This extremism poses a danger not only through violent acts but also by undermining democratic systems and societal cohesion.

  • How was the attacker in the Halle synagogue shooting radicalized?

    The attacker, Stefan Balliot, was radicalized through online far-right networks, spending time on message boards where he received advice on carrying out attacks. His plan to massacre Jews on Yom Kippur was driven by his belief in a Jewish world conspiracy, highlighting the dangerous influence of online extremist communities.

  • What challenges do German authorities face in combating far-right extremism?

    German authorities face challenges in identifying threats like Balliot in advance due to the difficulty of monitoring online communities where radicalization occurs. The investigation and trial of Balliot missed opportunities to shed light on these online networks, indicating the complexities of addressing far-right extremism effectively.

  • How has the Jewish community in Germany been affected by far-right extremism?

    The Jewish community in Germany has been left in fear following the attack on the synagogue in Halle, with concerns about the lack of security measures in place to protect them. The rise of neo-Nazi violence and the threat of right-wing extremism have heightened anxieties within the community.

  • What recent incidents have highlighted the presence of far-right extremism in Germany?

    Recent incidents such as the Hanau terror attack targeting migrants and the activities of groups like Nordkreuz planning for "Day X" demonstrate the ongoing presence of far-right extremism in Germany. The discovery of underground armies preparing for state collapse to establish far-right control underscores the depth of the issue within the country.

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Summary

00:00

Rise of far-right extremism in Germany

  • Germany is experiencing a resurgence of far-right populism, with what is believed to be the country's first far-right political assassination since World War II.
  • A violent ideology led to a deadly terror attack in a town east of Frankfurt, involving anti-Semitic attacks on a synagogue.
  • The attacker, Stefan Balliot, was radicalized through online far-right networks, spending time on message boards and receiving advice on carrying out attacks.
  • Balliot's plan to massacre Jews on Yom Kippur was driven by his belief in a Jewish world conspiracy.
  • The attack on the synagogue in Halle, Germany, on Yom Kippur resulted in two deaths, highlighting the threat of right-wing extremism in the country.
  • German authorities faced challenges in identifying threats like Balliot in advance due to the difficulty of monitoring online communities.
  • The investigation and trial of Balliot missed opportunities to shed light on the online communities where he was radicalized.
  • The attack on the synagogue in Halle left the Jewish community in fear, with concerns about the lack of security measures in place.
  • Germany has faced a wave of neo-Nazi violence, with concerns about the size and scope of extremism in the country.
  • Far-right terrorism trials have taken place in Germany, with groups like Group S planning attacks on mosques and Muslims, highlighting the ongoing threat of extremism in the country.

25:18

Far-right extremism in Germany: A growing threat

  • A secret group, led by Marco Gross, called Nordkreuz mobilized in 2015 for a significant operation, focusing on digital communication, safe houses, weapons, and ammunition.
  • Nordkreuz, initially supporting ex-soldiers, transformed into a neo-Nazi group with plans for "Day X," anticipating state collapse for far-right control.
  • German anti-terrorism police discovered Nordkreuz in 2017, seizing ammunition, weapons, and Nazi memorabilia from members.
  • Marco Gross, despite evidence of terrorism-related activities, was convicted only of illegal weapons possession, receiving a suspended sentence.
  • Prosecutors faced criticism for not pursuing terrorism charges against Gross, highlighting disparities in handling far-right extremism compared to Islamist threats.
  • Further revelations of right-wing extremism emerged in the military, like Philip Schaff, a KSK member found with neo-Nazi material, ammunition, and explosives.
  • Schaff, like Gross, faced weapons charges rather than terrorism charges, leading to his probation and expulsion from the army.
  • Franco Albrecht, linked to Nordkreuz, was arrested for plotting a terror act, posing as a Syrian refugee to incite chaos and blame refugees for an attack.
  • Albrecht's trial revealed his far-right beliefs, including plans to kill high-ranking politicians, with evidence of his extremist mindset in audio diaries and diaries.
  • Germany grapples with a rise in far-right extremism, exemplified by the Hanau terror attack targeting migrants, and ongoing challenges in combating and identifying extremist elements within the military and society.

50:33

"Nazis plan Day X to destroy democracy"

  • Hanau attack involved shooting and killing by Nazis
  • Underground armies preparing for "Day X" to take over and destroy democracy
  • Danger not just from violence but also from undermining democratic systems
  • More information available on PBS website and Amazon Prime Video
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