Germany's Neo-Nazi Group: Five Teenagers Arrested in Domestic Terrorism Crackdown

The arrest of five teenagers by German police underscores a worrisome trend of increasing involvement of youth in far-right extremism as authorities address the alarming rise in politically motivated crimes.

In a significant development on May 21, 2025, German police arrested five teenagers connected to a violent neo-Nazi organization known as the Last Wave of Defense. This arrest comes amid concerns regarding a troubling increase in politically motivated crimes across the nation. Prosecutors revealed that the group, founded by young individuals just last year, has been behind arson attacks targeting buildings that house asylum seekers.

The early-morning raid resulted in the apprehension of five male suspects, aged between 14 to 18, across three states in eastern and central Germany. Among them, three are identified as key members of the organization, while three others are already in custody. The suspects were only referred to by their first names, in accordance with strict German privacy regulations. Authorities suspect that all those arrested are affiliated with domestic terrorist groups, with two facing serious charges of attempted murder and arson.

Prosecutors emphasized that these arrests are a reflection of the alarming trend of teenage involvement in right-wing extremist ideologies, noting, “They all acted as young people with sufficient responsibility.” The investigation leading up to the raid required significant resources, enlisting over 220 officers and leading to searches of 13 properties spread across four provinces.

Germany's justice minister, Stefanie Hubig, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This is a warning sign and shows that right-wing extremist terrorism knows no age.” The authorities' swift actions serve as a response to a concerning rise in youth being drawn to extremist organizations, raising questions about the broader implications for society. As the criminal proceedings unfold, the nation watches closely, hoping to address and curb this disturbing trend effectively.