Germany arrests 3 neo-Nazi terror suspects

BERLIN

German authorities on Thursday arrested three far-right extremists as part of an investigation into the neo-Nazi group Knockout 51.

Prosecutors said in a statement that the suspects used a combat sports club to recruit and indoctrinate young people, and planned terror attacks against political opponents and left-wing activists.

Among the suspects, Kevin N. was identified as the ringleader and one of the founders of the “Knockout 51” group in the town of Eisenach, in eastern Germany.

“This was a right-wing extremist martial arts group that, under the guise of joint physical training, attracted young, nationalist-minded men,” the prosecutors said, adding that extremists were indoctrinated and trained there for confrontations with police officers or attacks against political opponents.

“Since the end of April / beginning of May 2021 at the latest, the aim of the association has also extended to the killing of people from the left-wing extremist scene,” the prosecutors said.

A second suspect, Marvin W., was also a member of this terror group, and took part in martial arts and shooting training courses, according to the investigators.

In 2021, the two suspects planned a deadly attack on left-wing activists in the city of Erfurt, the prosecutors said.

The third suspect, Patrick W., a well-known far-right political figure in Eisenach, was accused of providing support to the group’s training and propaganda activities.