A look at the news sites and social media often reveals it: Germany is politically divided. The spectrum ranges from peaceful demonstrations to aggressive calls. But what happens when the fight against a political party takes radical forms online? A case from Frankfurt shows how heated tempers are.

Data as a means of pressure

The case of the Hessian AfD politicians, whose data was posted on the Internet by left-wing extremists, is just one example of many. But right-wing extremists also use similar tactics to threaten political opponents, minorities or those who think differently. Both extremes use the internet as a platform to spread fear and uncertainty.

Political wake-up call

It was a call that shocked the German public, especially in Hesse: a link to an interactive map with private data of AfD candidates - published on the Frankfurt Antifa homepage. The militant words that followed the link raised concerns.

MIMIKAMA
Screenshot of the map. We pixelated names and images

A city in turmoil

In the middle of the preparations for the Hessian state elections, not only the election campaign but also the safety of the candidates are coming into focus. While some see Antifa's actions as legitimate political protest, others see them as a clear overstepping of boundaries. A dangerous dance on the tightrope of freedom of expression.

The story behind the link

The controversial site was originally launched by a union in 2011. The connection to today's content and its publication raises questions about responsibility and anonymity in the digital age.

The decentralization and anonymization of the Antifa movement poses challenges for investigators.

A server structure that shows connections to other political groups and protects the anonymity of those involved makes identifying those responsible a complicated undertaking.

The prompt intervention of the Hessian State Criminal Police Office

The Hessian State Criminal Police Office (HLKA) reacted quickly. After the data was published, a risk assessment was initiated immediately. But what does that actually mean? Every situation, every individual case is analyzed in detail. Depending on the result, protective measures are then taken or adjusted. For the AfD politicians affected, this means: The HLKA is at their side.


In a press release, the State Criminal Police Office writes:

After publishing private addresses of politicians. The Hessian State Criminal Police Office carries out a risk assessment .

After becoming aware of the unauthorized publication and distribution of private and professional data of Hessian AfD politicians by left-wing extremists, the Hessian State Criminal Police Office immediately carried out a threat assessment and contacted the AfD Hesse party executive board. As a result of the corresponding assessment, police measures to protect the people affected are implemented or adjusted in coordination with the responsible police headquarters. At the same time, detectives from the Hessian police contact everyone affected at short notice and provide advice and support from the Hessian State Criminal Police Office. In addition, the Hessian security authorities are in close contact on this matter.

In addition to the unauthorized publication of personal data and addresses, the websites known to the Hessian State Criminal Police Office call for people to “confront the AfD in a militant way” and “make their lives hell.” The unauthorized publication and dissemination of private and professional data has been a common practice for years in the phenomena of politically motivated crime (PMK) and the left-wing extremist scene. Based on the existing fundamental assessments of the Federal Criminal Police Office and the HLKA, every case that becomes known Individual case consideration and corresponding risk situation assessment combined with appropriate measures adapted to the situation.


More than just protection

This is not just about security measures after the data has been published. Detectives from the Hessian State Criminal Police Office have made direct contact with those affected. In addition to immediate protection and advice, they also offer supportive measures. So it's not just about physical security, but also about emotional security.

The pattern behind the approach

The call to “militantly confront” the AfD and make their lives “hell” is hidden behind a tactic that is deeply rooted in the left-wing extremist scene. It is a form of intimidation, an attempt to silence opponents by disclosing personal information. The existing basic assessments of both the Federal Criminal Police Office and the HLKA enable a quick and individual response to such incidents.

The digital jungle

The world of the Internet is vast and confusing. While on the one hand it makes it possible to exchange knowledge and culture, on the other hand it also offers space for dark machinations. Hidden in this jungle are those who use data as leverage. With winding paths and constantly changing identities, they often remain unrecognized. It's a cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and those operating under the protection of anonymity.

Fact Check: The Reality Behind the Headlines

ClaimsFact check
Antifa Frankfurt publishes AfD addressesTrue: A link on their website led to a map with private data of AfD candidates.
The investigation was triggered by media reports.True: The prosecutor's office became aware of the case through several reports.
The Antifa site was founded in 2011.Wrong: The original site was founded in 2011 by a union association.

A broader picture: both extremes under the microscope

Left-wing extremism and right-wing extremism have more in common than it seems at first glance. Both rely on intimidation, both use data as a weapon, both often operate in secret. While left-wing extremists might call for a “militant approach” to a party like the AfD, right-wing extremists could use the same tactics against minorities or left-wing activists. It is a vicious circle of intolerance and hatred.

Conclusion: A deeper look at a polarizing topic

The investigations surrounding the Antifa call in Frankfurt show once again the need to talk about data protection and freedom of expression in the digital age. The publication of private data - regardless of the political camp - cannot be viewed as a legitimate form of protest. At the same time, the question of the causes of such radical actions must also be asked. What drives people to such extreme measures? What role do anonymity and accountability play online? This case is not only cause for concern, but also for thought.

Source: Hesse police

Also read: Politics in fact check: quotes put to the test


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )