http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:38:39 +0200 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:38:39 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/court-sentences-former-raf-terrorist-becker-in-1977-buback-murder-a-843077.html#ref=rss A German court convicted former left-wing terrorist Verena Becker on Friday for being an accessory to the murder of a federal prosecutor in 1977. Despite the victory, government investigators continue to squander all their chances of solving this and other Red Army Faction crimes. Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:13:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/court-sentences-former-raf-terrorist-becker-in-1977-buback-murder-a-843077.html A German court convicted former left-wing terrorist Verena Becker on Friday for being an accessory to the murder of a federal prosecutor in 1977. Despite the victory, government investigators continue to squander all their chances of solving this and other Red Army Faction crimes.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/alleged-arsonist-caught-man-arrested-for-torching-dozens-of-cars-in-berlin-a-793558.html#ref=rss Left-wing extremists are often associated with the car arsons that have swept through Berlin and Hamburg in recent months and years. But a suspect arrested last week was just frustrated, Berlin police said. They identified the man, who confessed to setting fire to 67 cars, with the help of CCTV.   Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:45:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/alleged-arsonist-caught-man-arrested-for-torching-dozens-of-cars-in-berlin-a-793558.html Left-wing extremists are often associated with the car arsons that have swept through Berlin and Hamburg in recent months and years. But a suspect arrested last week was just frustrated, Berlin police said. They identified the man, who confessed to setting fire to 67 cars, with the help of CCTV.  ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-dramatic-wake-up-call-berlin-rail-attacks-fuel-fears-of-left-wing-extremism-a-792282.html#ref=rss The recent discovery of 18 firebombs along railtracks around Berlin has triggered a heated debate on left-wing extremist violence in Germany. For months German officials have been warning about radicalization of the far-left scene, which has seen an uptick in arson attacks. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:37:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-dramatic-wake-up-call-berlin-rail-attacks-fuel-fears-of-left-wing-extremism-a-792282.html The recent discovery of 18 firebombs along railtracks around Berlin has triggered a heated debate on left-wing extremist violence in Germany. For months German officials have been warning about radicalization of the far-left scene, which has seen an uptick in arson attacks.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/train-track-attacks-debate-over-leftist-terrorism-erupts-in-germany-a-791715.html#ref=rss So far, authorities have found at least 17 incendiary devices near German rail facilities in and around Berlin this week. Many are concerned that the country is seeing the beginnings of a wave of leftist terror. But others, including left-wing extremists themselves, aren't so sure. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/train-track-attacks-debate-over-leftist-terrorism-erupts-in-germany-a-791715.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/leftists-claim-fire-bombs-police-foil-attack-on-berlin-s-central-station-a-791044.html#ref=rss Police safely removed several fire bombs found in a tunnel near Berlin's main train station on Monday. The foiled attack came after a fire set along the line between the German capital and Hamburg caused major disruption to rail traffic. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:19:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/leftists-claim-fire-bombs-police-foil-attack-on-berlin-s-central-station-a-791044.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/burning-cars-germany-struggles-to-quell-arson-problem-a-782094.html#ref=rss Hundreds of cars have gone up in smoke in Hamburg and Berlin in recent months. But try as they might, officials have been unable to stop the series of arson attacks. Now, it looks as though the perpetrators are no longer just leftist extremists -- but a Hamburg taskforce has made little headway. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:01:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/burning-cars-germany-struggles-to-quell-arson-problem-a-782094.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/arson-in-berlin-car-burnings-are-a-precursor-to-terrorism-a-780965.html#ref=rss The last three nights have seen an unprecedented wave of car torchings in Berlin, but police are not sure who to arrest. Politicians on the left and right warn the attacks could lead to more dangerous forms of protest. Meanwhile, the failure to stop them could sway September's mayoral election. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:48:51 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/arson-in-berlin-car-burnings-are-a-precursor-to-terrorism-a-780965.html The last three nights have seen an unprecedented wave of car torchings in Berlin, but police are not sure who to arrest. Politicians on the left and right warn the attacks could lead to more dangerous forms of protest. Meanwhile, the failure to stop them could sway September's mayoral election.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/swapping-combat-boots-for-the-preppy-look-report-warns-of-neo-nazis-disguised-as-boy-next-door-a-771790.html#ref=rss The latest annual report on extremism in Germany suggests that neo-Nazis have swapped the skinhead look for a boy-next-door image, making it harder to identify right-wing extremists. Although overall extremist crime is down, the tendency towards violence is increasing -- within both the far left and right. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:38:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/swapping-combat-boots-for-the-preppy-look-report-warns-of-neo-nazis-disguised-as-boy-next-door-a-771790.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/right-vs-left-arson-and-stabbings-in-berlin-as-extremist-groups-clash-a-771329.html#ref=rss Berlin officials are carefully watching a rise in violence between far-right and far-left groups. Right-wing politicians have been attacked on the street, and left-wing clubs and youth homes have been set on fire. Now Berlin state politicians have issued a joint statement condemning right-wing parties. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/right-vs-left-arson-and-stabbings-in-berlin-as-extremist-groups-clash-a-771329.html Berlin officials are carefully watching a rise in violence between far-right and far-left groups. Right-wing politicians have been attacked on the street, and left-wing clubs and youth homes have been set on fire. Now Berlin state politicians have issued a joint statement condemning right-wing parties.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-intelligence-report-increase-in-left-wing-extremism-sparks-concern-a-766865.html#ref=rss Left-wing extremism is on the rise in Germany, according to a classified intelligence report seen by SPIEGEL. The number of violent militants has risen by a fifth since 2005 and offenses rose sharply in the first quarter of 2011. Authorities are intensifying their surveillance of the scene. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:19:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-intelligence-report-increase-in-left-wing-extremism-sparks-concern-a-766865.html Left-wing extremism is on the rise in Germany, according to a classified intelligence report seen by SPIEGEL. The number of violent militants has risen by a fifth since 2005 and offenses rose sharply in the first quarter of 2011. Authorities are intensifying their surveillance of the scene. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-new-level-of-escalation-left-wing-extremists-behind-berlin-arson-attack-a-764558.html#ref=rss Political activists have claimed responsibility for a cable fire that caused major disruption to Berlin commuter train traffic and mobile phone service this week. Police say the attack signals a new escalation in left-wing terrorism in the country. Tue, 24 May 2011 12:36:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-new-level-of-escalation-left-wing-extremists-behind-berlin-arson-attack-a-764558.html Political activists have claimed responsibility for a cable fire that caused major disruption to Berlin commuter train traffic and mobile phone service this week. Police say the attack signals a new escalation in left-wing terrorism in the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/may-day-in-the-capital-berlin-s-peaceful-day-of-rage-a-760095.html#ref=rss Berlin's traditional May 1 riots fell short of the violence seen in recent years. But following brief clashes between rioters and police, which resulted in a handful of injuries and arrests, the smell of pepper spray was in the air. Mon, 02 May 2011 12:10:10 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/may-day-in-the-capital-berlin-s-peaceful-day-of-rage-a-760095.html Berlin's traditional May 1 riots fell short of the violence seen in recent years. But following brief clashes between rioters and police, which resulted in a handful of injuries and arrests, the smell of pepper spray was in the air.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-agents-at-g-8-summit-berlin-sent-five-undercover-police-officers-to-scotland-a-746766.html#ref=rss The controversial use of British undercover policeman Mark Kennedy in Germany was not a one-off. SPIEGEL ONLINE has learned that German agents were also deployed abroad, including at the 2005 G-8 summit in Gleneagles in Scotland. Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:17:33 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-agents-at-g-8-summit-berlin-sent-five-undercover-police-officers-to-scotland-a-746766.html The controversial use of British undercover policeman Mark Kennedy in Germany was not a one-off. SPIEGEL ONLINE has learned that German agents were also deployed abroad, including at the 2005 G-8 summit in Gleneagles in Scotland.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spying-on-the-left-berlin-officials-knew-all-about-british-agent-s-activities-a-741939.html#ref=rss Mark Kennedy spent years embedded in the European left-wing scene and infiltrated German activist groups as well -- at the behest of German officials, SPIEGEL ONLINE has learned. He is also suspected of having participated in illegal activities in Germany. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:05:39 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spying-on-the-left-berlin-officials-knew-all-about-british-agent-s-activities-a-741939.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/cars-on-fire-art-show-revisits-berlin-s-burning-automobiles-a-730473.html#ref=rss A spate of torched cars put Berlin in the global headlines last year. A new exhibition revisits the charred remains of vehicles set ablaze. Taken by a photographer better known for his snaps of gleaming new cars, the photos are now on show in England. Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:36:39 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/cars-on-fire-art-show-revisits-berlin-s-burning-automobiles-a-730473.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/package-bomb-series-greek-authorities-focus-on-radical-left-a-726983.html#ref=rss The series of package bombs originating in Greece continued late on Tuesday with officials discovering an explosive parcel addressed to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Athens authorities are focusing on left-wing militant groups in the Greek capital. Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:50:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/package-bomb-series-greek-authorities-focus-on-radical-left-a-726983.html The series of package bombs originating in Greece continued late on Tuesday with officials discovering an explosive parcel addressed to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Athens authorities are focusing on left-wing militant groups in the Greek capital.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/world-cup-patriotism-in-berlin-immigrants-defend-the-flag-while-left-wing-germans-tear-it-down-a-703533.html#ref=rss With Germany celebrating as its football team advances through the World Cup, the flag is flying everywhere in the country. But as one German of Lebanese descent has found out, not everyone in the country is a fan of the patriotic display. His giant German flag keeps getting torn down -- apparently by left-wing activists. Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:32:09 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/world-cup-patriotism-in-berlin-immigrants-defend-the-flag-while-left-wing-germans-tear-it-down-a-703533.html With Germany celebrating as its football team advances through the World Cup, the flag is flying everywhere in the country. But as one German of Lebanese descent has found out, not everyone in the country is a fan of the patriotic display. His giant German flag keeps getting torn down -- apparently by left-wing activists.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/political-violence-for-dummies-german-authorities-concerned-about-far-left-terror-manual-a-699205.html#ref=rss An anonymous "how to" of terrorism techniques is circulating in Germany's far-left scene, much to the consternation of authorities. As well as tips on making bombs, the "Anarchist Cookbook"-knockoff reveals how to outfox the police, saw down power poles and stop trains. Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:08:42 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/political-violence-for-dummies-german-authorities-concerned-about-far-left-terror-manual-a-699205.html An anonymous "how to" of terrorism techniques is circulating in Germany's far-left scene, much to the consternation of authorities. As well as tips on making bombs, the "Anarchist Cookbook"-knockoff reveals how to outfox the police, saw down power poles and stop trains.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-return-of-the-radicals-crisis-fuels-rise-in-left-wing-extremist-violence-a-695415.html#ref=rss Following the 2007 protests at the G-8 meeting in Heiligendamm, the number of attacks by leftist extremists has risen dramatically in Germany. The government is increasing its focus on the autonomists, but authorities know little about a new generation that is torching cars, and worse, in its fight. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Thu, 20 May 2010 12:28:13 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-return-of-the-radicals-crisis-fuels-rise-in-left-wing-extremist-violence-a-695415.html Following the 2007 protests at the G-8 meeting in Heiligendamm, the number of attacks by leftist extremists has risen dramatically in Germany. The government is increasing its focus on the autonomists, but authorities know little about a new generation that is torching cars, and worse, in its fight. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/flaming-atms-new-militant-group-torches-cash-machines-in-frankfurt-a-660858.html#ref=rss A previously unknown militant group claims to be behind a series of arson attacks on banks in Frankfurt over the past two weeks. Police are still hunting for leads to the elusive group, while commentators are drawing links with Germany's notorious terrorist group the Red Army Faction. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:12:22 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/flaming-atms-new-militant-group-torches-cash-machines-in-frankfurt-a-660858.html A previously unknown militant group claims to be behind a series of arson attacks on banks in Frankfurt over the past two weeks. Police are still hunting for leads to the elusive group, while commentators are drawing links with Germany's notorious terrorist group the Red Army Faction.]]>