Eight individuals are facing charges before the German Federal Court of Justice, accused of belonging to a far-right terrorist organization known as “Letzte Verteidigungswelle” (Last Defense Wave, or LVW). The group, comprised largely of young people – many of whom were minors – allegedly planned and carried out attacks, including a devastating arson attack on a cultural center in Brandenburg in 2024.
Formation and Activities of the LVW
According to investigations by the NDR, the LVW was founded in April 2024 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern by two individuals who served as the group’s leaders and administrators of various WhatsApp chat groups. Membership reportedly required proof of criminal activity, such as vandalism with swastikas or arson.
The group organized through a central WhatsApp chat and regional groups for each German state. Members allegedly discussed survival training, ideological topics, and planned attacks. The NDR reports that one of the leaders repeatedly called for violence against political opponents and migrants.
Charges and Alleged Crimes
The eight individuals now face charges including membership in a terrorist organization and, for six of them, attempted murder. Specifically, they are accused of the arson attack in Brandenburg, where the occupants of the cultural center narrowly escaped harm. They are also charged in connection with an attempted attack on an asylum seeker shelter in Thüringen, where individuals allegedly attempted to fire fireworks into the building.
Ideology and Expansion Plans
The LVW’s stated goal was to overthrow the German government and establish a national socialist regime. Investigations revealed plans to establish a headquarters and weapons cache in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and to recruit members in other countries, including Poland, Norway, and France. Future membership fees were reportedly intended to fund the purchase of ammunition and explosives.
Authorities began investigating the group in May after searching the homes of suspected members and discovering weapons and bomb-making instructions. The group also maintained connections with other far-right groups, including “Deutsche Jugend Voran” (German Youth Forward) and “Jung und Stark” (Young and Strong), participating in joint demonstrations.
What Happens Next
The eight accused will face trial at the Higher Regional Court in Hamburg. The date of the trial has not yet been set. It is likely that the proceedings will be closely watched by both law enforcement and counter-extremism groups, as they could provide further insight into the organization and motivations of the LVW. Depending on the evidence presented, convictions could lead to lengthy prison sentences. Further investigations may also reveal additional connections or planned attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the “Letzte Verteidigungswelle?”
The “Letzte Verteidigungswelle” (LVW) was a group of young, largely minor, individuals who allegedly formed a far-right terrorist organization with the goal of overthrowing the German government.
What crimes are the accused facing?
The eight accused are facing charges of membership in a terrorist organization and, for six of them, attempted murder, related to arson attacks and an attempted attack on an asylum seeker shelter.
Where did the group originate?
The group was founded in April 2024 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, according to investigations by the NDR.
Given the severity of the alleged crimes and the group’s stated ideology, what steps can be taken to prevent similar organizations from forming in the future?
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