In Germany, the frequency of politically motivated crimes against journalists has seen a sharp increase, highlighting growing concerns over press freedom. According to a recent report based on the response from the federal government to a parliamentary inquiry, during the period from April 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, there were 818 registered politically motivated crimes directed at the media. Among these incidents, 89 were categorized as violent crimes, underscoring the serious risks faced by media professionals in the current political climate.

The report indicates that roughly one-third of these attacks, totaling 244 incidents, are linked to far-right extremism, which raises alarms about the influence of far-right ideologies on public safety and democratic values. Another 78 incidents have been associated with leftist movements, while foreign ideologies and religious motives were implicated in 153 and 31 cases, respectively. The remaining 312 incidents fall under various other classifications, which points to a diverse range of motivations behind the assaults on press members.

This escalating trend not only reflects the risks of coverage and expression within Germany but also poses significant threats to democracy and accountability. As such, the rising violence against journalists raises urgent questions regarding the protective measures needed to ensure press freedom and the broader implications for civil liberties in Germany. The rise in attacks against journalists indicates a need for stronger governmental and societal responses to protect the integrity of media work and uphold the principles of democracy and free expression.