Right-wing extremist organisation Hammerskins Deutschland banned
News Migration 19 September 2023
Homes of 28 group members in ten federal states searched; large quantities of goods seized
quote:
"This ban will put a stop to the hate-filled incitement by a neo-Nazi organisation that is internationally active. By taking this action, we are making a strong statement of opposition to racism and antisemitism."
FEDERAL MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR NANCY FAESER, SPEAKING ABOUT THE BAN ON THE NEO-NAZI ORGANISATION HAMMERSKINS DEUTSCHLAND
Searches and seizure of goods
Early on the morning of 19 September, 700 state police officers and five Federal Police investigation and operations teams began enforcing the ban on the neo-Nazi organisation Hammerskins Deutschland, searching homes and property of 28 members of the organisation in ten federal states (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Thuringia). Officers seized cash and large quantities of weapons, right-wing extremist clothing with "Hammerskins Deutschland" logos, audio recordings, flags (including swastika flags), pennants and emblems.
No more concerts for neo-Nazis
Hammerskins Deutschland is an offshoot of the Hammerskins Nation organisation founded in the U.S. in 1988. Hammerskins affiliates exist in a number of countries; members call each other "brothers" and see themselves as part of an elite "brotherhood". In Germany, the group has about 130 members.
The group is mainly focused on promoting racist ideas based on Nazi ideology. The purpose of Hammerskins Deutschland is to live according to their right-wing extremist worldview and to gain support for this worldview, in particular with the help of concerts featuring right-wing extremist music. These concerts also serve to bring their right-wing extremist ideology to a broader audience and to radicalise others outside of the organisation.
In addition to organising concerts, the group has also sold right-wing extremist merchandise and recordings of right-wing extremist and antisemitic music. The ban that goes into effect today also makes Hammerskins Deutschland logos and other symbols illegal.
International cooperation to fight right-wing extremism
The ban was the result of intensive preparation and cooperation between Germany’s federal and state governments. The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community worked closely with its U.S. partner agencies to bring about this ban on a right-wing extremist and racist organisation. Federal Minister Faeser thanked all the officers involved in the operation as well as the responsible federal and state authorities and the ministry’s U.S. partners for their support and the excellent cooperation.