Saxony-Anhalt hits record high in politically motivated crimes for 2025
Politically Motivated Crime in 2025: Record High as Right-Wing Offenses Rise by 3% and Left-Wing Offenses by 12.1%
State police in Saxony-Anhalt recorded another increase in politically motivated crimes last year compared to the previous year. In total, 4,144 such offenses were documented in Saxony-Anhalt in 2025—3.4%, or 136 more cases, than in 2024 (4,008). This marks the highest level since records of politically motivated crime (PMC) began in 2001.
Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang stated: "The alarming record number of politically motivated crimes in Saxony-Anhalt is a serious warning sign. The range of offenses spans from torn-down campaign posters to violent attacks. We must combat all forms of extremism with full consequence and determination—regardless of ideology or motivation. Right-wing politically motivated crime remains the central challenge to domestic security. Our law enforcement agencies continue to operate with the highest vigilance."
The state police's consistent pursuit of politically motivated crimes is reflected in an improved clearance rate compared to the previous year. In 2025, the rate rose slightly to 43.1% (2024: 41.9%). This increase is particularly evident in the clearance rate for incitement to hatred, which reached 75.1% (2024: 70.1%). Clearance rates for threats (63.5%, compared to 64% in 2024) and insults (73%, compared to 72.2% in 2024) remained roughly stable. The clearance rate for right-wing motivated offenses, at 48.2% (2024: 45.6%), once again exceeded the overall clearance rate.
Fewer politically motivated violent crimes were recorded last year than in 2024. A total of 130 such offenses were documented—a decrease of 21 cases, or 13.9%, from the previous year (151). In the right-wing PMC category, 90 violent crimes were recorded, 16 fewer cases (15.1%) than in 2024 (106). Seventy percent, or 63 of these right-wing motivated violent crimes, were solved. In the left-wing PMC category, 28 violent crimes were documented—two more than in 2024. An additional 12 violent crimes fell under the "other" PMC classification (2024: 13). The majority of violent offenses involved bodily harm (113 cases) and resistance against law enforcement (8 cases).
Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang emphasized: "Every act of politically motivated violence is an attack on our free democratic order and a threat to peaceful coexistence in our society. Our democracy thrives on respectful engagement with differing opinions—not on violence, hatred, or intimidation. The state police's mission remains clear: to protect our citizens and continuously improve the investigation of these crimes."
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