ADVERTISEMENT

German police detain 4 over planned attacks on Muslims, refugees

BERLIN, May 6 (Reuters) - German police have detained four people suspected of setting up a new right-wing extremist group calling itself the "Old School Society" with the aim of carrying out bomb attacks on mosques, Salafist Muslims and shelters for asylum-seekers.

"Investigations show the group's goal was to carry out attacks in Germany in small groups against notable Salafists, mosques and asylum-seekers' shelters," said the German public prosecutors' office in a statement.

"To this end, from what we know so far the four people detained obtained explosives for possible terrorist attacks by the group," said prosecutors, adding that it was not yet clear whether they "already had specific targets or dates in mind".

They identified the four - all of them German citizens - as 56-year-old Andreas H., who was "president" of the group, 39-year-old "vice-president" Markus W., 22-year-old Denise Vanessa G. and 47-year-old Olaf O. German authorities only identify suspects by their first names and initials.

In 2011, Germany was shocked by revelations that a small right-wing cell, the National Socialist Underground (NSU), had carried out the murders of nine immigrants and a policewoman, as well as bombings and bank robberies. Security services and police had failed for a decade to detect the NSU's existence.

ADVERTISEMENT

Two members committed suicide after a bank robbery and a third suspect, Beate Zschaepe, is now on trial. (Reporting by Stephen Brown; Editing by Madeline Chambers)

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT