Political violence at dangerously high level in Germany

TT

Published 15.21

 

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt at a press conference on Tuesday. Photo: Michael Kappeler /Dpa Via AP/TT

Politically motivated violence has increased sharply in Germany and is at a historically dangerously high level according to the country's government.

Far-right groups are often behind the violent crimes involving assault, vandalism and sabotage as well as verbal hate crimes, said Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the Bavarian conservative party CSU.

- Most of the crimes were committed, by a large majority, by right-wing and far-right groups, said Dobrindt, adding that the largest increase in crimes was among left-wing groups.

Driving the development of "social polarization are social media through which hatred, incitement and propaganda are spread," said Federal Police Commissioner Holger Münch.

A total of 85,837 cases were reported last year, which represents a doubling in a decade.