BERLIN, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Around 39,433 extremist crimes were recorded in Germany in 2023, marking a new high, according to a report by the Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) on Tuesday.
The report identified approximately 40,600 individuals as right-wing extremists, an increase of 1,800 from the previous year. Among them, 14,500 were classified as violent.
Left-wing extremism rose by 500 to 37,000, with more than one in four deemed violent. The rise in violent crimes, particularly attacks against police officers, was noted as worrying by the ministry.
"The security situation remains tense, as Germany ramps up protective measures to counter the threats posed by extremism, terrorism, and hybrid dangers," said Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser.
As Germany hosts the 2024 UEFA EURO football championship, its government has significantly increased security measures by tightening border controls and imposing temporary checks, marking the largest operation in the history of the German Federal Police.
Public opinion on this specific topic is divided, according to a recent survey published by German broadcaster ZDF. The survey shows 44 percent of Germans fear attacks during the European Championship, while more than half remain unconcerned.
