A Review Of The Structure And Activities Of The German Branch And Regional Chapters Of The International Neo-Nazi 'Hammerskins' Following Police Raids Across Germany And Ban Declared By Interior Minister

In the early morning hours of September 19, 2023, approximately 700 German police personnel from five investigative and operational task units from the federal police as well as forces operating on the state level were deployed to execute large-scale police raids across Germany against those linked to "Hammerskins Germany," including the residences of 28 network members, according to a statement by Germany's Interior Ministry led by Nancy Faeser.[1] It also announced that the German Branch and regional chapters of international neo-Nazi "Hammerskins," along with the affiliated "Crew 38."

The task force operated in various federal states, including Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Thüringen, Hessen, Bavaria, and Saarland. Considerable amounts of extreme-right and neo-Nazi material, including objects and apparel bearing the swastika, unconstitutional flags, sound recordings including neo-Nazi music material. Weapons were also seized. The statement read in part: "We are putting an end to the inhumane activities of an internationally active neo-Nazi association. In doing so, we are sending a clear signal against racism and antisemitism, which is grounded on Article 3 of the 'Law Regulating the Law on Associations.'"

Determining whether an association can be outlawed depends on the group's motives and is primarily assessed on a case-by-case basis. The respective assessment under Article 3 is applicable in accord with Article 9 s2 of Germany's Basic Law, which states: "Associations whose purposes or whose activities contravene to criminal law or which are directed against the constitutional order or against the idea of international understanding are prohibited." Its causal criteria are: the aim of committing acts against the respective motives compromising constitutionality; the display of anti-constitutional behavior; contravene or wish to abolish the democratic basic order; human rights, etc.; propagating ideas that do not correlate with the international understanding; and inciting hate and violence. The dissemination of anti-constitutional ideas by itself does not justify a ban – related crimes must be committed and demonstrated based on explicit evidence.

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Background Of The German Hammerskins

The Hammerskins expanded their activity within Germany in 1991, with approximately 11 regional-based chapters. Amid investigations surrounding the German terror cell National Socialist Underground (NSU) responsible for a string of murders from 2000 to 2006 that killed 10 Germans with a migrant background including a German police officer, the Federal German Police Department (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA) built an extensive file on the Hammerskin Division Germany. After the 2000 ban of Blood & Honor Division Germany, the Hammerskins gained influence in the so-called "brown" music business and have since been active in the German Right-Rock music scene. BKA reports reveal that many former members of "Division Germania" and the German Division of "Blood & Honor" have merged with the Hammerskin network.

Hammerskin functionaries have organized various music festivals and events, frequently under the guise of private festivals and gatherings in regional public community centers and sports club venues. Various members and "Prospect of the Nation" figures from the Hammerskins actively participate in neo-Nazi music bands or operate neo-Nazi merchandise distribution companies, as well as labels, following the example of Hammerskin member Hendrik Stiewe, also member of the neo-Nazi comradeship "Normannia-Nibelungen," operates the label "Wewelsburg Records."

Fan magazines titled "Hammerskin," "Defend Yourselves," and "Hate Attack" have been published by the German Division of Hammerskins. Since the ban of Blood & Honor Germany, the Hammerskins have increasingly presented themselves in the extremist-right music and festival scene, frequently playing a leading role in organizing events. Many bands have been closely affiliated with Hammerskins. In the course of investigations surrounding the now-banned music band "Landser," a confidential informant and Hammerskin member was exposed, who was responsible for the marketing and production of a Landser album. The member was sentenced to four years in prison for participation in the marketing of Landser and illegal possession of firearms.

Engagement And Activities

The Hammerskins Division Germany often participates in Hammerskins meetings in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. The larger Hammerskins divisions hold summer camps as well. Aside from the principle gatherings, smaller meetings and events, such as concerts or the annual "Hammersfest," which is planned by the different chapters, are held to facilitate networking and information exchange among Hammerskins members.

Both the entrance fees to concerts as well as the merchandise booths held there are crucial revenue streams. Over the years, Hammerskins chapters in Germany have actively engaged in organizing concerts in the Southern federal state of Saarland and in towns in neighboring France.