Eight alleged members of Germany’s ‘Last Wave of Defence’ face trial for plotting attacks on refugees and left-wing activists, accused of attempted murder.

HAMBURG: A trial has begun for eight alleged members or supporters of the German far-right militant group “Last Wave of Defence”.

The men, all in their teens or early 20s, face charges including attempted murder and membership in a terrorist organisation.

Prosecutors allege the group sought the “collapse of the democratic system through acts of violence, primarily against migrants and political opponents”.

They said the group “viewed themselves as the last line of defence for the German nation”.

Several defendants are accused of setting fire to a cultural centre in Altdoebern in October 2024.

Prosecutors stated it was “only by chance” that no one was injured in that attack.

Others allegedly shot fireworks into a refugee shelter in Schmoelln in January 2025.

Nazi symbols were allegedly scrawled at the scene of the shelter attack.

Several defendants are also accused of assaulting people they perceived as “paedophiles”.

Most suspects were arrested during nationwide police raids in May 2025.

Their arrests, when aged between 14 and 21, fuelled debate over youth radicalisation via social media.

Three defendants have been labelled as ringleaders, with one accused of supporting the group.

A court spokeswoman said the reading of the indictment was initially held in public.

Later hearings may be held behind closed doors due to the defendants’ ages.

The Higher Regional Court of Hamburg has jurisdiction over the state security case.

Hearings are scheduled to run until May.

 The Sun Malaysia