German police have searched addresses across the country on suspicion of right-wing extremist groups, the DPA reported.
The large-scale operation covered 11 of Germany’s 16 states and was aimed at about 50 suspects. Four people linked to a martial arts group in the central German city of Eisenach have been detained, according to the federal prosecutor’s office. They are suspected of belonging to a criminal organization.
According to the indictment, the martial arts group is accused of violence, including against prominent leftists. It is reported that its members tried to “maintain order” with the help of patrols of the districts.
German media reported that members of the group took part in protests against anti-epidemic measures aimed at provoking violence. It should be added that during the operation, searches were also conducted at the regional headquarters of the right-wing extremist National Democratic Party. It is alleged that a martial arts group was trained there.
The prosecutor’s office claims that the object of the operation was also the right-wing extremist group Kombat 18, banned in early 2020. Searches are related to violations of this ban.