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The situation appears serious: in its latest situation report, the Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) warns of increasing left-wing extremist violence. Swiss left-wing extremists are showing increasing solidarity with violent German groups, writes the “NZZ am Sonntag”.
For example with the German group Hammerbande. And their members seem to be particularly cruel. They are said to have injured thirteen alleged and actual neo-Nazis, some seriously. They smashed their skulls and ankles with hammers.
Contacts also in Switzerland
Lina E.*, the leader of the Hammer group, also became an identifying figure in Switzerland. Information events about the hammer gang took place in Bern, Zurich, Winterthur ZH and La-Chaux-de-Fonds NE. In Solothurn, left-wing extremists took a photo of solidarity with the group, as the ‘NZZ am Sonntag’ writes.
The attack on two police officers by hundreds of left-wing extremists outside a trendy bar in Basel recently caused a stir. This incident also sheds light on the potential for violence within organized left-wing extremism, especially with regard to targeted attacks on people. Swiss left-wing extremists legitimize the Hammer Gang’s brutal attacks as an ‘anti-fascist practice’.
Violence is structurally anchored in left-wing extremist groups
Not only the NDB but also Adrian Oertli, psychotherapist and expert in the field of political radicalization, warns about this development. Until 2009, he was a member of a violent left-wing extremist group in Zurich. But was later expelled from the group after questioning its support for the violence. Today he campaigns against violent political extremism.
Oertli emphasizes in the ‘NZZ am Sonntag’ that violent actions by right-wing extremists are currently largely absent, which has a de-escalating effect. Therefore, the level of escalation between left and right forces in Switzerland is lower than in Germany. Notes, however, that violence against people in left-wing extremist groups is structurally anchored. It serves to hold the scene together by diverting attention from internal conflict and creating a common enemy. (oco)
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Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
