Hamburg Court Sentences Members of Right-Wing Terror Group 'Last Wave of Defense'

The Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in Hamburg has handed down prison sentences ranging from 1.5 to five years to members and supporters of a right-wing extremist terror group called 'Last Wave of Defense' (LVW). The defendants, who were between 14 and 22 years old at the time of their crimes, were convicted of charges including membership in a terrorist organization, attempted murder, aggravated arson, and dangerous bodily harm. Seven of the eight defendants received prison terms, while the youngest defendant, aged 15, received a suspended sentence. Three individuals were also convicted of leadership roles within the group.

The group aimed to destroy democracy and overthrow the political system. Their activities included planning and executing attacks on refugee shelters and left-wing facilities, as well as engaging in so-called 'pedo-hunting' against men they believed were pedophiles. In October 2024, two 15-year-old members set fire to a cultural house in Altdöbern, causing over 500,000 euros in damages. Another attempted attack on an asylum seeker home in Schmölln involved spraying 'Sieg Heil' and other xenophobic slogans on the walls. The group recruited members via TikTok, Telegram, and WhatsApp, using an SS-Totenkopf logo and titles such as 'Gauleiter' and 'Propagandaminister.' The group was exposed after an undercover reporter from RTL infiltrated their network.

Because of the young age of the defendants, much of the trial was held behind closed doors to protect the minors. The presiding judge described the group as a 'brown children's room,' noting a mix of dehumanizing chat logs and juvenile posturing. While some defendants appeared unconcerned during sentencing, the court noted signs of remorse and a willingness to undergo deradicalization in some cases.