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Journalist survives far-right attack by hiding evidence in his sock

His quick thinking saved the footage—and possibly his life. Years later, the trauma lingers as two extremists face charges over a stolen camera and memory card.

The image shows a man in a suit and tie standing in front of a group of reporters, some of whom are...
The image shows a man in a suit and tie standing in front of a group of reporters, some of whom are holding cameras and microphones. Behind him is a metal fence, a pole, a trash bin, some boards with text on them, a building with windows, and some papers pasted on a wall.

Journalist: During Attack, Memory Card Hidden in Sock - Journalist survives far-right attack by hiding evidence in his sock

A journalist investigating far-right extremism survived a violent attack in April 2018 after hiding crucial evidence in his sock. The assault in Fretterode, Eichsfeld, involved multiple weapons and left lasting trauma for the victim. Two extremists now face serious charges linked to the stolen camera and memory card.

The incident began when the journalist and his colleague were researching a suspected far-right gathering. Before the attack, the journalist had already recorded the assailants on camera. As the confrontation turned violent, he quickly swapped the memory card, tucking the original into his sock before fleeing.

The attackers used a wrench, baseball bat, pepper spray, and a knife during the assault. The journalist later described his terror, admitting he feared for his life. Even now, he struggles with lingering anxiety, particularly when cars approach him loudly. The stolen camera and memory card have become key evidence in the trial. Prosecutors argue the theft could lead to a robbery conviction, carrying heavier penalties. The journalist specialises in covering far-right movements, and the attack occurred while he was working in Eichsfeld. No further extremist activity in the region has been reported since the incident.

The trial hinges on the stolen footage, which may secure a robbery conviction against the attackers. The journalist's quick thinking preserved vital evidence, though the ordeal continues to affect his daily life. The case remains a rare documented instance of violent far-right activity in Eichsfeld.

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