Feb 19 • 12:36 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

Literature: By SZ Authors

Annette Ramelsberger discusses connections between various violent crimes in Germany and broader implications for the country's legal system.

In her latest book "Am Abgrund. Aus den Gerichtssälen dieser Republik," Annette Ramelsberger, a court reporter for the Süddeutsche Zeitung, explores the troubling connections between notorious criminals, including Norway's mass murderer Anders Breivik and attackers in Halle, Hanau, and Munich. She poses provocative questions about the motives behind such violent acts, including the assassination of Kassel district president Walter Lübcke by a far-right extremist right on his terrace. Through her years of reporting on the NSU trial and her encounters with various perpetrators, she highlights the ongoing threat of right-wing violence in Germany and its implications for society.

Ramelsberger argues that a significant portion of this violence often goes overlooked, with the public and authorities reluctant to confront the rising tide of extremism. Since 1998, she has been sounding the alarm about increasing far-right violence, but her observations have often been ignored. She also addresses the motivations of Islamist extremists, describing their activities in Germany and the dangers posed by individuals who believe they have a 'right' to commit violence against perceived enemies. Her insights are a sobering reminder of the ongoing struggles within Germany's legal system to effectively deal with these radical elements.

Ultimately, Ramelsberger's work serves as a call for deeper recognition and understanding of the dangerous ideologies that underpin this violence. The book raises critical questions about how the German state confronts these challenges and the broader impact of such violence on societal cohesion and security. As Germany continues to grapple with its historical legacy and contemporary threats, Ramelsberger's analysis provides an essential context for understanding the complexities of justice in a society facing these daunting realities.

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