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Hate on the Internet: Investigations into incitement in the Delmenhorst group
Investigations in Delmenhorst: Hate comments in a Facebook group and the conviction of an AfD councilor highlight right-wing extremist tendencies.
Hate on the Internet: Investigations into incitement in the Delmenhorst group
The events surrounding hate crimes in Delmenhorst are becoming increasingly dramatic. A heated investigation is currently underway in the Facebook group “Delmenhorst Our City”. Loud Weser courier This group has over 19,700 members, although the authenticity of the members is difficult to verify. However, it is known that numerous problematic and criminally relevant posts have been posted in recent months, which not only disrupt public order but also divide society.
One particularly disturbing image recently released shows New York's Statue of Liberty being hit by a missile. Previously, a burning Israeli flag was emblazoned as the cover photo of this group. It is clear that such representations are highly problematic in a sensitive context, especially against the background of the current Middle East conflict. The state security department at the Delmenhorst police station has therefore started several investigations and viewed and secured various contributions.
Investigations and legal action
As part of the investigation, criminal proceedings were initiated on suspicion of sedition. The Göttingen public prosecutor's office has presented the group's images for legal assessment in order to counteract the increasing hatred online. Police spokesman Albert Seegers strongly advises taking active action against such excesses. “Freedom of expression protects personal and political views, but the limit is reached when a person's dignity is attacked,” said Seegers.
The Central Contact Point for Combating Hate Crime on the Internet (ZHIN) is already working closely with local police departments to efficiently bundle procedures and counteract anti-democratic tendencies. Although the police do not currently classify the group as a specific threat to the social climate, the warning about the potential dangers of hate comments remains as they also reflect current political conflicts.
An example of hate posting
The issue of hate on the Internet is becoming even more explosive due to the case of Delmenhorst AfD councilor Lothar Mandalka. Loud DelmeNews.de Mandalka published a post in June 2023 in which he compared the Greens to the National Socialists. In his now banned post, the slogan "Green Reich - Its Holocaust is the murder of its own people" was depicted in an image that showed the imperial eagle with the Green Party's sunflower, instead of the traditional swastika. This incident led to a complaint by the Delmenhorst Greens and ultimately to a criminal order for incitement to hatred.
Mandalka was sentenced to a fine of 2,400 euros in 2024, which amounts to 40 daily rates of 60 euros each. He denied responsibility for the post but admitted the content was offensive. A set of topics that was also mentioned in the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Lower Saxony clearly shows the dangers of hatred and incitement in today's world.
Development and initial situation
A look beyond the borders of Delmenhorst shows that the number of hate posts registered by the police in Germany has quadrupled in the past four years South German newspaper reported. The authorities are carrying out numerous operations nationwide against the authors of such posts in order to stop the spread of hatred. The clear signal from Delmenhorst, in conjunction with nationwide developments, is that decisive action will be taken against hatred and agitation in order to promote the most respectful coexistence possible.