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Police officers during raid in the Ore Mountains
Photo: Jan Woitas / dpa
During searches in the radical football fan milieu, the Special Commission on Right-Wing Extremism in the Ore Mountains has arrested three suspects. A total of 34 people between the ages of 17 and 23 are being investigated for forming a criminal organization, the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office and the Saxony State Office of Criminal Investigation announced. Objects belonging to five defendants in different places were searched on Wednesday. More detailed information has not yet been given.
According to investigators, they are said to have founded a criminal organization called "Strong Youth" by February 2022 at the latest. According to a police statement, they have since been responsible for crimes such as serious breach of the peace and several dangerous bodily injuries. The aim was also to commit violent and robbery offences against supporters of other football clubs and acts of resistance against police officers.
Incitement to hatred and use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations
Four of the five defendants affected by the searches had been noticed in the past for right-wing extremist crimes. These include incitement to hatred and the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations.
According to the information, the "Strong Youth" is part of the ultra group of a local football club. The members are ultras and hooligans. Investigations by the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Office of Criminal Investigation are ongoing.
lmd/AFP/dpa