Observers warn of the growing mobilization of right-wing extremists in Germany, writes DW.
It is not yet clear what the Magdeburg attacker’s motive was for his deadly rampage through the Christmas market, killing five people and injuring 200.
The only confirmed fact is that the attacker is a citizen of Saudi Arabia and is currently in pre-trial detention. However, immediately after the attack, the right-wing extremist scene in Germany began to spread hatred towards migrants.
– I have never experienced such a hostile and threatening atmosphere – says the student from Magdeburg. This is reported by the professional violence prevention service “Salam” from the German state of Sachsen-Anhalt.
The organization notes a significant increase in incidents against people labeled as foreigners by right-wing extremists.
According to the Salama report, migrants were called “terrorists,” “criminals” and “draggers” on the street, and cases of pushing, spitting and verbal abuse were recorded.
Due to the increase in threats, migrant communities are using social networks such as WhatsApp and Facebook to warn each other, advising their members to avoid public places.
Ironically, the Magdeburg attacker is said to have Islamophobic and right-wing extremist motives, which shows the power of the right-wing narrative, says radicalism researcher Hans Goldenbaum.
Since last Friday’s attack, right-wing extremist groups and individuals across Germany have launched campaigns for the mass deportation of migrants.
On Sunday, December 23, several hundred neo-Nazis gathered at a demonstration in Magdeburg, where attacks on journalists were also recorded.
One of the speakers at the rally was neo-Nazi leader Thorsten Heise, who was previously convicted of trying to run over a refugee with a car. Heise invited participants to infiltrate institutions such as fire departments and government agencies to influence them from within.
During the rally, participants chanted slogans such as “Germany, wake up,” which was once a Nazi slogan under Hitler’s rule. Its use in Germany is punishable by law.
Expert on right-wing extremism David Begrich of the organization “Miteinander” predicts that right-wing groups will continue to use the attack for political purposes. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has announced large demonstrations in Magdeburg.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
