Munich, December 23 – In the early hours of Saturday morning, a group of approximately ten neo-Nazis marched in formation along Schellingstraße in Munich’s Maxvorstadt district. The individuals, described as young men in bomber jackets, reportedly shouted xenophobic slogans and displayed the Hitler salute. The incident occurred around 1:00 AM and was witnessed by four students, against whom a beer bottle was subsequently thrown.
Neo-Nazi March and Bottle Attack
The students reported that the group formed up at the beginning of Schellingstraße, a street that leads from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität through Maxvorstadt. This area holds historical significance for right-wing extremists, as it was home to the first NSDAP headquarters and a pub frequently visited by Adolf Hitler. The bottle attack, which caused no injuries, prompted the students to alert authorities.
Police were dispatched immediately and conducted a search operation, but they were unable to apprehend any of the neo-Nazis at the scene. The State Security Department 44 of the Munich Criminal Police has since launched an investigation and is appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Resurgence of “Patriotic Patrols”?
The incident bears resemblance to previous “patriotic patrols” conducted by Munich neo-Nazis, often with the involvement of like-minded individuals from outside the city, between 2020 and 2022. These activities had reportedly subsided after the departure of a convicted right-wing terrorist who had led the group. However, recent events suggest a potential resurgence of such activities.
In early November, neo-Nazis, now reportedly led by a right-wing extremist from Murnau, attempted to film a propaganda video in the predominantly left-leaning Schlachthofviertel district. This latest incident in Schellingstraße further indicates a renewed presence and activity of such groups in Munich.
Additional Incidents of Right-Wing Extremism
The march in Schellingstraße was not an isolated incident over the weekend. On Saturday evening, at the “Donisl” restaurant on Marienplatz, a 41-year-old man from the Munich district and a 39-year-old Munich resident were arrested after shouting Nazi slogans and xenophobic remarks. Guests in the restaurant complained, and a staff member called the police, leading to the apprehension of the two individuals.
State Security Investigates Multiple Cases
The State Security Department 44 is now tasked with investigating both incidents. The police are urging anyone with information about the neo-Nazi march in Schellingstraße or the incident at the “Donisl” restaurant to contact them. The recurring nature of these events highlights ongoing concerns about right-wing extremism in Munich.
The historical context of Schellingstraße, with its links to the early days of the NSDAP, makes it a symbolic location for right-wing extremists. The proximity to the university also raises concerns, as right-wing extremists have reportedly been active near the campus recently.
Authorities are taking these incidents seriously and are working to identify and prosecute those responsible for promoting hate speech and engaging in extremist activities. The city of Munich remains vigilant against such manifestations of right-wing extremism.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-neonazis-aufmarsch-schellingstrasse-flaschenwurf-staatsschutz-li.3359117
