German federal prosecutors have formally charged eight individuals for their involvement in what authorities describe as a “right-wing extremist terrorist” organization. The group, operating under the name “Last Defense Wave,” allegedly sought to undermine Germany’s democratic foundations through coordinated attacks on migrant accommodations and political opponents.
The accused face multiple serious charges including membership in a terrorist organization, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and causing grievous bodily harm. Notably, several defendants are teenagers, highlighting the concerning recruitment of youth into extremist movements.
According to investigative documents, the cell was established in May 2024 with the declared mission of acting as the “final authority” for protecting the “German nation.” Their operational activities included both executed and planned attacks on asylum-seeker facilities and left-wing institutions across multiple German states.
The case involves three specifically documented operations: an arson attack on a Brandenburg cultural center, a failed attempted attack on a Thuringia asylum seekers’ home, and detailed plans to target migrant accommodation in Senftenberg. While these incidents resulted in no injuries, group members additionally stand accused of violently assaulting and robbing individuals, causing significant physical harm.
Internal communications revealed the group’s ultimate objective to instigate a “race war” that would precipitate a cycle of violence intended to preserve the “white race” and ultimately dismantle liberal democracy. Investigators documented their proliferation of racist and antisemitic content on social media platforms, along with overt glorification of Nazi ideology and the Third Reich.
Following May arrests across Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, and Hesse, seven defendants remain in pretrial detention while one has been released since July. Due to the juvenile status of several accused, legal proceedings have required parental accompaniment during court appearances.