Dobrindt warns of growing violence by young extremists

Berlin – Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) warns of a growing propensity for violence among young extremists. "We are increasingly observing that young people are becoming radicalized," Dobrindt told the newspapers of the Funke media group (Tuesday editions). "The propensity for violence among young people is growing strongly in the right-wing extremist scene. But the security authorities are also recognizing this trend among left-wing extremists and young Islamists." The rise of political violence is "further evidence that there is a disruptive mechanism in society." Dobrindt sees local people as responsible for preventing politically motivated violence. "Education against this extreme propaganda can be provided primarily by local networks in cities and municipalities, for example in schools, clubs, or youth centers." These people in local institutions have "the best sense for when a young person is becoming radicalized." And, in the best case scenario, they have the most direct influence on the individual. But the state, according to the CSU politician, is also called upon to counter radicalization "with communication and education." And by the government solving the problems of young people. "Extremists identify a common enemy, young right-wing extremists portray themselves as victims of a foreign threat," said Dobrindt. This then leads to "fighting and aggression against this perceived danger, which is increasingly carried out via social platforms and channels on the internet," the minister said. On Tuesday, Dobrindt will present the annual report together with the president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Recently, the security authorities had noted a significant increase in right-wing extremist crimes. The president of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Holger Münch, warned in the Funke newspapers of a growth in criminal youth scenes with right-wing views. The internet is increasingly serving as a networking space. Münch added that radicalization, recruitment, and mobilization take place via social networks and right-wing forums.