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Far-right extremists attack journalists at eastern Germany gathering

Masked far-right activists turned on reporters, damaging equipment and hurling abuse. Now, police are probing assaults tied to a controversial gathering.

The image shows an old newspaper with a picture of a group of people on it. The newspaper is the...
The image shows an old newspaper with a picture of a group of people on it. The newspaper is the front page of a German newspaper, dated November 13, 1939, and the headline reads "Weitpreubliche Zeitung". The people in the picture are wearing traditional German clothing and appear to be in a celebratory mood.

Far-right extremists attack journalists at eastern Germany gathering

A far-right gathering in Schnellroda, eastern Germany, turned hostile in late January when around 30 extremists targeted journalists. Masked attendees, including leaders of the Swiss group Junge Tat, physically harassed and intimidated reporters from Recherche-Nord. Police have since opened investigations into assault, theft, and verbal abuse.

The incident began as far-right activists, including Austrian figure Martin Sellner and members of the AfD's youth wing, assembled in the small town. Among them were Manuel Corchia and Tobias Lingg, both leaders of Junge Tat. Witnesses reported that Corchia deliberately struck a journalist's camera lens, damaging the equipment.

Photographers faced further aggression when Lingg sprayed water at them. Others in the group surrounded reporters, shouting insults and blocking their work. Despite the hostility, no serious injuries were recorded.

The confrontation has drawn extra scrutiny due to Corchia and Lingg's pending trial in Switzerland. Swiss prosecutors have yet to comment on whether the Schnellroda incident will factor into their case. German police, however, are treating the matter as a criminal investigation.

The attacks on journalists in Schnellroda have led to active police probes. With no injuries reported, the focus remains on potential charges for assault and obstruction. The timing is notable, as the same individuals face separate legal proceedings in Switzerland within months.

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