Leaked messages from Young Republican leaders reveal blatant antisemitic language and jokes about gas chambers, sparking a debate about the normalization of bigotry among the young right and concerns over rising extremism within conservative circles.
US President Donald Trump has officially designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, citing its violent and anarchist activities aimed at overthrowing the government, though experts note the movement's lack of formal structure and the legal challenges in such a classification.
President Trump announced plans to designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, marking an unprecedented move for a U.S.-based group, which drew criticism from lawmakers who argue it could be used to suppress dissent and target political opponents.
The article criticizes Donald Trump and other conservatives for prematurely blaming the left for the shooting of Charlie Kirk, highlighting that far-right extremists are actually the most frequent perpetrators of domestic terrorism in the US. It argues that Trump's rhetoric often downplays or ignores right-wing violence while emphasizing left-wing violence, creating a dangerous narrative that fuels political hostility and violence.
In response to Donald Trump's re-election, European filmmakers and cultural institutions are positioning themselves as defenders of progressive values, using cinema to challenge authoritarianism and promote democracy and tolerance. Despite fears of a chilling effect on left-leaning films in the U.S., Europe is seen as a potential haven for such cinema. However, the rise of right-wing governments across Europe poses challenges to this resistance, as state subsidies crucial to the film industry may be threatened.
MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace expressed frustration over President Biden's response to questions about his rhetoric following an assassination attempt on Trump, emphasizing that the real threat is right-wing domestic violent extremism. Wallace criticized Biden for not highlighting FBI Director Christopher Wray's testimony that right-wing extremism is the greatest domestic threat. Other MSNBC anchors also criticized the interview, with Joe Scarborough accusing NBC's Lester Holt of "phony moral relativism." Biden called for lowering political tensions but continued to criticize Trump's rhetoric.
Germany's Interior Ministry has banned the right-wing extremist Compact magazine, citing its role in inciting hatred against Jews, migrants, and democracy. Authorities conducted raids in four states to confiscate assets and evidence. The ban also extends to Compact's subsidiary, Conspect Film, and prohibits any continuation of their activities. The AfD party criticized the ban as a threat to press freedom.
Thousands of people gathered in central Berlin to protest against right-wing extremism, forming a living firewall around the Bundestag building and rallying under the slogan "We are the Firewall." The protest, organized by the "Hand in Hand — Act in Solidarity Now!" alliance, drew an estimated 300,000 attendees and was the largest since mid-January. Demonstrators from various age groups and backgrounds carried homemade placards targeting the far-right AfD party and called for more social work, better education, and initiatives to tackle right-wing extremism. More protests are planned for Sunday, with special attention on eastern Germany.
Hans-Georg Maassen, a former German intelligence chief, is under investigation for suspected right-wing extremism by the agency he once led. The investigation cites his apparent belief in far-right and antisemitic conspiracy theories, anti-migrant rhetoric, and alleged sympathy for the far-right Reichsbürger movement. Maassen's new right-wing political party, the Values Union, has expressed willingness to work with the far-right AfD, breaking the longstanding taboo against cooperation with the radical right in German politics. This has sparked mass demonstrations across Germany, with protesters calling for a "firewall" against the far right.
Aimenn Penny was sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempting to firebomb a church in Ohio that was hosting a drag event, pleading guilty to committing a church arson hate crime and using fire and explosives to commit a felony. Penny, a member of the pro-Nazi group White Lives Matter, targeted the church due to its support for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite causing limited physical damage, the attack instilled fear in the community, leading to parishioners leaving and a preschool relocating. Penny's attorney cited his client's susceptibility to online hate and misinformation, while prosecutors emphasized the message that hate-fueled violence will not be tolerated in the United States.
In a regional run-off election in Thuringia, Germany, the conservative CDU candidate Christian Herrgott defeated the far-right AfD candidate Uwe Thrum, marking a potential shift in the AfD's popularity following damaging headlines about a mass-deportation story involving the party. The AfD had led the general election but lost in the run-off after the story sparked outrage and led to widespread protests against right-wing extremism. The AfD's strong support in Thuringia and other eastern states, as well as its national rise, has raised concerns, with Germany's domestic intelligence service labeling the Thuringia's AfD and its leader as "right-wing extremists" posing a threat to democracy.
Germany's right-wing party AfD, classified as right-wing extremist in some states, faces potential loss of state funding due to alleged anti-democratic behavior. The party's popularity has sparked debates in the Bundestag about how to address its actions, including the possibility of banning the party. While banning a party in Germany is difficult, excluding it from state funding may be more feasible. Additionally, there are discussions about revoking individuals' basic rights as a way to combat perceived enemies of the constitution. Despite these debates, experts believe that Germany's democracy is strong enough to defend itself against such threats.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is facing potential sanctions for its anti-democratic behavior, including the possibility of losing state funding and revoking individuals' basic rights. The German Bundestag is debating how to address the party's involvement in right-wing extremist activities, with discussions on banning the party or excluding it from state funding. While the hurdles for such actions are high, experts believe that democracy in Germany is strong enough to defend itself against its enemies.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Germany have protested against the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, following reports of a meeting of right-wing extremists discussing migration policies. Demonstrations took place in various cities, with turnout exceeding expectations. Business leaders and politicians have expressed concerns and support for the protests, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier calling for an alliance of all democrats and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck seeing the demonstrations as an encouraging sign for democracy.
Germany's right-wing AfD party faced massive protests after a report revealed discussions about deporting millions of immigrants, including German citizens. The party confirmed the meeting but denied it reflects their policy. Protesters across Germany held demonstrations against right-wing extremism, with comparisons to the Nazis. The report has renewed calls for a ban on the AfD, which has gained significant support in the country. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the AfD and Identitarian Movement, comparing them to the Third Reich.