Germany investigates far-right terror cell within army
Police find ‘hit list’ prepared by soldier and investigate ties to extremist network; Defense minister cancels US visit
By Ayhan Simsek
BERLIN
A German soldier who was arrested last week on suspicion of plotting a terror attack had prepared a “hit list” that included names of senior politicians, local media reported on Tuesday.
Former President Joachim Gauck and Justice Minister Heiko Maas were among politicians whose names were found on the list of potential targets prepared by the 28-year old lieutenant Franco A., a suspected far-right extremist, Berlin-based daily Tagesspiegel reported.
Germany’s federal prosecutor’s office, which investigates serious terrorism crimes, has taken over the probe on Tuesday, due to the seriousness of the incident.
German press agency DPA reported that the investigators have focused on the suspect’s ties to a network of far-right extremists within the army.
Franco A. was arrested last week after police uncovered that he apparently spent more than a year living a double life as a Syrian refugee and plotted a terror attack which he could pin on refugees.
German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen canceled her planned visit to the U.S. amid the widening scandal and has called a meeting of top military officials, scheduled for Thursday.
German opposition parties had long criticized the government for not taking serious measures against far-right extremists within the army.
The Defense Ministry had informed parliament earlier this month that it was investigating 275 suspected right-wing extremists in its ranks.
