http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 23 May 2013 19:55:23 +0200 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:55:23 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/nsu-trial-right-wing-extremists-suspected-of-fecal-attack-on-lawyer-office-a-900481.html#ref=rss Excrement and urine have been splattered on the Munich office of a lawyer representing plaintiffs in Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial. Police suspect far-right extremists were behind the incident, just one of several apparently intended to intimidate anti-racist and immigrant groups as the trial gets underway. Fri, 17 May 2013 12:08:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/nsu-trial-right-wing-extremists-suspected-of-fecal-attack-on-lawyer-office-a-900481.html Excrement and urine have been splattered on the Munich office of a lawyer representing plaintiffs in Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial. Police suspect far-right extremists were behind the incident, just one of several apparently intended to intimidate anti-racist and immigrant groups as the trial gets underway. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-neo-nazi-trial-descends-into-angry-courtroom-exchanges-a-900089.html#ref=rss Bitter laughter, heckling and loud murmers from the public gallery: the trial of Beate Zschäpe descended into angry, heated exchanges among the lawyers and the judge on its third day on Wednesday. One lawyer even asked the judge to forbid laughter. Nerves are fraying in Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial. Wed, 15 May 2013 18:52:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-neo-nazi-trial-descends-into-angry-courtroom-exchanges-a-900089.html Bitter laughter, heckling and loud murmers from the public gallery: the trial of Beate Zschäpe descended into angry, heated exchanges among the lawyers and the judge on its third day on Wednesday. One lawyer even asked the judge to forbid laughter. Nerves are fraying in Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/nsu-trial-resumes-as-prosecutors-read-out-charges-a-899831.html#ref=rss Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial resumed on Tuesday after an eight-day adjournment. The prosecutor read out the charges against the main defendant, Beate Zschäpe, who is accused of involvement in 10 murders. She remained impassive as the families of the victims gasped at the details of the crimes. Tue, 14 May 2013 18:23:14 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/nsu-trial-resumes-as-prosecutors-read-out-charges-a-899831.html Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial resumed on Tuesday after an eight-day adjournment. The prosecutor read out the charges against the main defendant, Beate Zschäpe, who is accused of involvement in 10 murders. She remained impassive as the families of the victims gasped at the details of the crimes. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/commentary-by-spiegel-correspondent-on-adjournment-of-nsu-trial-a-899591.html#ref=rss Relatives of the victims of the NSU terror cell were furious that the trial was adjourned last week so the judge could consider a defense motion of bias against him. But the victims' lawyers criticized this legitimate instrument. They are giving their clients exaggerated expectations and should know better. Mon, 13 May 2013 18:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/commentary-by-spiegel-correspondent-on-adjournment-of-nsu-trial-a-899591.html Relatives of the victims of the NSU terror cell were furious that the trial was adjourned last week so the judge could consider a defense motion of bias against him. But the victims' lawyers criticized this legitimate instrument. They are giving their clients exaggerated expectations and should know better. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-proposes-new-commissioner-against-right-wing-extremism-a-899085.html#ref=rss The German government has been under fire ever since a murderous far-right terror cell was uncovered in 2011. Now, Chancellor Merkel's justice minister has proposed the establishment of a commission to coordinate the battle against extremism in the country. Fri, 10 May 2013 12:49:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-proposes-new-commissioner-against-right-wing-extremism-a-899085.html The German government has been under fire ever since a murderous far-right terror cell was uncovered in 2011. Now, Chancellor Merkel's justice minister has proposed the establishment of a commission to coordinate the battle against extremism in the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-german-secuity-sector-riddled-with-right-wing-extremists-a-898580.html#ref=rss The number of employees at German security firms with ties to neo-Nazis is on the rise, posing a risk to public safety. For the time being, background checks on applicants in the sector are woefully inadequate. But calls for tighter controls are getting louder. Tue, 07 May 2013 18:07:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-german-secuity-sector-riddled-with-right-wing-extremists-a-898580.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-reaction-to-start-of-nsu-neo-nazi-trial-a-898557.html#ref=rss Anti-racism groups and immigrants are hoping the neo-Nazi trial that started on Monday in Munich will launch a broad public debate about racism in Germany. Instead, it has narrowed the focus on Beate Zschäpe, the main defendant. Media commentators warn that expectations of the trial are exaggerated. Tue, 07 May 2013 15:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-reaction-to-start-of-nsu-neo-nazi-trial-a-898557.html Anti-racism groups and immigrants are hoping the neo-Nazi trial that started on Monday in Munich will launch a broad public debate about racism in Germany. Instead, it has narrowed the focus on Beate Zschäpe, the main defendant. Media commentators warn that expectations of the trial are exaggerated. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/massive-neo-nazi-trial-has-much-to-say-about-german-society-a-898336.html#ref=rss The series of racist murders perpetrated by the neo-Nazi terror trio National Socialist Underground represents a massive failure on the part of German law enforcement officials. But as the trial starts on Monday, editorialists say that German society is also to blame. Mon, 06 May 2013 14:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/massive-neo-nazi-trial-has-much-to-say-about-german-society-a-898336.html The series of racist murders perpetrated by the neo-Nazi terror trio National Socialist Underground represents a massive failure on the part of German law enforcement officials. But as the trial starts on Monday, editorialists say that German society is also to blame.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/nsu-trial-co-plaintiffs-demand-answers-about-crimes-and-treatment-a-898310.html#ref=rss A massive neo-Nazi trial opened in Germany on Monday seeking to bring justice to the victims of a murder spree that killed 10. Families of the victims want answers that will bring closure: Why were their relatives killed and why did the government fail to detect the true origins of the seven-year crime wave? Mon, 06 May 2013 13:00:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/nsu-trial-co-plaintiffs-demand-answers-about-crimes-and-treatment-a-898310.html A massive neo-Nazi trial opened in Germany on Monday seeking to bring justice to the victims of a murder spree that killed 10. Families of the victims want answers that will bring closure: Why were their relatives killed and why did the government fail to detect the true origins of the seven-year crime wave?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-nsu-neo-nazi-trial-starts-in-munich-a-898287.html#ref=rss Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial opened on Monday in the glare of the media as the main defendant, neo-Nazi Beate Zschäpe, faced charges of complicity in a spate of racially motivated murders. But in the sign of how drawn-out the trial is likely to be, it was adjourned after her lawyers claimed the judge is biased. Mon, 06 May 2013 11:15:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-nsu-neo-nazi-trial-starts-in-munich-a-898287.html Germany's biggest neo-Nazi trial opened on Monday in the glare of the media as the main defendant, neo-Nazi Beate Zschäpe, faced charges of complicity in a spate of racially motivated murders. But in the sign of how drawn-out the trial is likely to be, it was adjourned after her lawyers claimed the judge is biased. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/profile-of-neo-nazi-nsu-member-beate-zschaepe-ahead-of-trial-a-894491.html#ref=rss Having refused to comment on her alleged crimes, Beate Zschäpe, the only surviving member of the murderous NSU neo-Nazi terror cell, remains an enigma. With her trial set to begin on Monday, prosecutors hope to illuminate the character of a woman described by neighbors as outgoing and likeable. Fri, 03 May 2013 11:49:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/profile-of-neo-nazi-nsu-member-beate-zschaepe-ahead-of-trial-a-894491.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-racism-groups-hope-nsu-neo-nazi-trial-will-trigger-change-a-897581.html#ref=rss The NSU neo-Nazi trial opening on Monday offers a chance for Germany to face up to the presence of violent right-wing extremists and to tackle racism in its institutions. Anti-Nazi groups warn that the lack of real change since the case came to light in 2011 means the country risks missing that opportunity. Fri, 03 May 2013 09:48:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-racism-groups-hope-nsu-neo-nazi-trial-will-trigger-change-a-897581.html The NSU neo-Nazi trial opening on Monday offers a chance for Germany to face up to the presence of violent right-wing extremists and to tackle racism in its institutions. Anti-Nazi groups warn that the lack of real change since the case came to light in 2011 means the country risks missing that opportunity. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/leading-german-papers-left-out-in-raffle-of-press-seats-for-trial-a-897264.html#ref=rss The Munich court where the NSU neo-Nazi terror trial is due to start on May 6 faces fresh controversy over media accreditation after several major German newspapers failed to obtain seats in a lottery of press passes. It was the second attempt to allocate seats after Turkish media had been left out in the first round. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:36:01 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/leading-german-papers-left-out-in-raffle-of-press-seats-for-trial-a-897264.html The Munich court where the NSU neo-Nazi terror trial is due to start on May 6 faces fresh controversy over media accreditation after several major German newspapers failed to obtain seats in a lottery of press passes. It was the second attempt to allocate seats after Turkish media had been left out in the first round.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-authorities-step-up-neo-nazi-terrorism-probes-a-897249.html#ref=rss For years, German federal law-enforcement officials hesitated to launch terrorism investigations against right-wing extremists. But the NSU debacle has prompted them to launch an unprecedented number of cases and to employ controversial means in an effort to avoid accusations of inaction. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-authorities-step-up-neo-nazi-terrorism-probes-a-897249.html For years, German federal law-enforcement officials hesitated to launch terrorism investigations against right-wing extremists. But the NSU debacle has prompted them to launch an unprecedented number of cases and to employ controversial means in an effort to avoid accusations of inaction. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/court-to-guarantee-seats-for-turkish-media-in-neo-nazi-trial-a-895357.html#ref=rss Responding to an order from above, a Munich court has reopened the media accreditation process for reporters covering the biggest neo-Nazi trial in German history. Seats will now be allotted by raffle, with several being reserved for the Turkish, Greek and other foreign press. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:53:38 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/court-to-guarantee-seats-for-turkish-media-in-neo-nazi-trial-a-895357.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/father-of-neo-nazi-victim-requests-video-broadcast-of-trial-a-894994.html#ref=rss The Munich court soon to hear Germany's largest post-war neo-Nazi case has already been heavily criticized for its press accreditation process, and is now confronted with fresh demands. One victim's father has filed an application for two-way video transmission so even more spectators can watch the proceedings. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:19:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/father-of-neo-nazi-victim-requests-video-broadcast-of-trial-a-894994.html The Munich court soon to hear Germany's largest post-war neo-Nazi case has already been heavily criticized for its press accreditation process, and is now confronted with fresh demands. One victim's father has filed an application for two-way video transmission so even more spectators can watch the proceedings.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-prosecutors-hope-neo-nazi-trial-will-spark-reforms-a-894504.html#ref=rss German federal prosecutors handling the neo-Nazi terrorism case due to come to trial on May 6 say regional authorities underestimated the capabilities of right-wing extremists. They hope the trial will boost central authorities' power to investigate future cases. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:57:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-prosecutors-hope-neo-nazi-trial-will-spark-reforms-a-894504.html German federal prosecutors handling the neo-Nazi terrorism case due to come to trial on May 6 say regional authorities underestimated the capabilities of right-wing extremists. They hope the trial will boost central authorities' power to investigate future cases. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-media-comment-on-postponement-of-nsu-neo-nazi-terror-cell-trial-a-894631.html#ref=rss Postponing the neo-Nazi terror trial is both a curse and a blessing, say German media commentators. On the one hand, it entails inconvenience and stress for the relatives of the 10 victims. On the other, it should allow a new watertight media accreditation process -- and thereby lower the risk of an appeal. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-media-comment-on-postponement-of-nsu-neo-nazi-terror-cell-trial-a-894631.html Postponing the neo-Nazi terror trial is both a curse and a blessing, say German media commentators. On the one hand, it entails inconvenience and stress for the relatives of the 10 victims. On the other, it should allow a new watertight media accreditation process -- and thereby lower the risk of an appeal.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/relatives-of-victims-angered-by-court-decision-to-delay-nazi-terror-trial-a-894496.html#ref=rss The postponement of Germany's neo-Nazi trial by three weeks on Monday triggered angry reactions from people representing the families of the NSU terror group's victims. One official called it a "catastrophe" for relatives, some of whom would no longer be able to attend the opening. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:15:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/relatives-of-victims-angered-by-court-decision-to-delay-nazi-terror-trial-a-894496.html The postponement of Germany's neo-Nazi trial by three weeks on Monday triggered angry reactions from people representing the families of the NSU terror group's victims. One official called it a "catastrophe" for relatives, some of whom would no longer be able to attend the opening. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/munich-court-postpones-start-of-neo-nazi-trial-to-may-6-a-894430.html#ref=rss The start of the trial of suspected neo-Nazi Beate Zschäpe, due to begin on Wednesday, has been postponed by three weeks to May 6 because media accreditation for the proceedings has to start from scratch following a row over foreign press access, SPIEGEL ONLINE learned on Monday. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:24:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/munich-court-postpones-start-of-neo-nazi-trial-to-may-6-a-894430.html The start of the trial of suspected neo-Nazi Beate Zschäpe, due to begin on Wednesday, has been postponed by three weeks to May 6 because media accreditation for the proceedings has to start from scratch following a row over foreign press access, SPIEGEL ONLINE learned on Monday.]]>