Introduction
In December 2023, the global landscape was marked by an alarming presence of terrorism linked to extreme right-wing ideologies. This analysis underscores the paramount significance of this issue in the contemporary world order.
Terrorism, irrespective of its ideological roots, has long posed a grave threat to international peace and security. Recent times, however, have witnessed a distinct shift in this threat landscape. The ascent of extreme right-wing terrorism has introduced a new layer of complexity to the global security equation.
This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of extreme right-wing terrorism in December 2023, offering insights into its evolution, and current manifestations. By dissecting the trends, causative factors, and ramifications of this phenomenon, our objective is to foster awareness and inform policymaking while fostering international collaboration to counter this growing menace.
Venezuela
Venezuelan Socialist Deputy Sparks Outrage with Anti-Semitic Posts on Social Media
Alberto Aranguibel, a deputy of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), has ignited controversy by posting anti-Semitic messages on social media, expressing support for the Holocaust and making derogatory remarks against Jews. Aranguibel, known for his active presence on social media platforms, particularly targets Israel and frequently posts messages filled with hatred. His recent comments praising Hitler and justifying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have drawn condemnation from the Latin American office of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an international human rights organization combating racism, xenophobia, discrimination, terrorism, and anti-Semitism.
United States
13-Year-Old Faces Charges for Allegedly Planning Synagogue Mass Shooting in Ohio
A 13-year-old boy from Ohio is facing criminal charges for allegedly planning a mass shooting at Temple Israel in Canton. According to court documents, the teenager created a detailed plan for the attack, which he shared on the social media platform Discord. The plan, involving burning and shooting up the synagogue, was reported to authorities, causing significant public alarm. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the FBI, initiated contact with the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed publicly.
Upon investigating the case, law enforcement officials discovered that the teen was part of multiple anti-Semitic and political groups on Discord. The incident report from the sheriff’s office revealed that the suspect had shared plans and maps of the synagogue, possibly created in collaboration with an unknown individual from Washington State. The 13-year-old is now charged with misdemeanor counts of inducing panic and disorderly conduct related to the incident that occurred on September 1.
The news comes amidst a concerning rise in online radicalization and hate speech among young individuals, raising questions about the effectiveness of monitoring and intervention strategies.
White Supremacist Sentenced to Over Six Years for Online Threats in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Trial
Hardy Carroll Lloyd, a self-proclaimed white supremacist from Follansbee, West Virginia, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for online threats against the jury and witnesses in the trial of Robert Bowers. Bowers was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2018 synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers. Lloyd, acknowledging his guilt in obstructing the due administration of justice, admitted that the perceived or actual Jewish faith of government witnesses and trial victims motivated him to target the jury and witnesses.
The U.S. Department of Justice described Lloyd as a self-proclaimed leader of a white supremacist movement. Prosecutors revealed that Lloyd, arrested on August 10, sent threatening posts on social media, emails, and comments on websites during Bowers’ trial. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of combating hate crimes and online radicalization, emphasizing the need for legal measures to address such threats effectively.
Nationalist Fliers Spread in Fort Washington, Prompting Police Investigation
Disturbing fliers were discovered in the driveways of multiple homes in Fort Washington’s Washington Manor subdivision. The fliers, tossed from a moving white van, contained the message “Stand up White Man” and directed readers to a white nationalist website promoting racist and anti-immigrant ideologies. Plastic bags with rocks were used to distribute the fliers, preventing them from blowing away. A QR code on the back linked to a video. This incident follows a trend of similar occurrences reported in the region this year. The Anti-Defamation League notes that such propaganda dissemination is often aimed at recruitment. While protected by free speech, authorities encourage residents to report incidents and share videos to aid investigations.
Massachusetts Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against White Nationalist Group for Civil Rights Violations
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has filed a lawsuit against the white nationalist group NSC-131 and its leaders, Christopher Hood and Liam McNeil. The complaint accuses the group of repeated civil rights violations, including intimidation and harassment directed at LGBTQ+ events and migrant family shelters. The lawsuit alleges that NSC-131 engaged in violent and threatening conduct that violated state civil rights laws and unlawfully interfered with public safety. The group targeted drag story hours across the state from July 2022 to January 2023, aiming to shut down events and attacking attendees. Additionally, the complaint claims the group targeted migrant shelters between October 2022 and 2023.
The Anti-Defamation League describes NSC-131 as a neo-Nazi group founded in 2019 that promotes racism, antisemitism, and intolerance. The lawsuit seeks to hold the group and its leaders accountable for their unlawful actions in Massachusetts. NSC-131 has previously faced legal issues, with a New Hampshire judge dismissing trespassing complaints earlier this year related to displaying unauthorized banners.
Kanye West Sparks Controversy by Wearing KKK-Like Hood
Kanye West has reignited controversy by appearing on stage in Miami wearing a hood reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a symbol associated with the white supremacist hate group in the United States. The artist, during a concert to promote his latest album, wore a black hood similar to the KKK’s design while performing the song ‘Vultures’ with Ty Dolla Sign. The provocative act not only stirred debate due to its association with a hate symbol but also drew criticism as West was accompanied by his 10-year-old daughter, North West. Fans expressed displeasure, questioning West’s alignment with a white supremacist group given his African-American background, emphasizing the group’s history of promoting racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism.
CAIR Condemns Distribution of Antisemitic and White Supremacist Material in Northern Virginia
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has strongly denounced the distribution of antisemitic and white supremacist materials in Northern Virginia. Residents in Broad Run reported receiving weighted bags containing flyers attacking “Jewish terrorism,” promoting the message “whites have rights too,” and listing contact information for “The Loyal White Knights.” The organization emphasizes the need for a collective repudiation of this nationwide campaign promoting hate, urging officials at local, state, and federal levels to reject all forms of bigotry.
White Supremacist Nick Fuentes Calls for Death Penalty for Jews in Recent Statements
Notorious white supremacist figure Nick Fuentes, known for denying the Holocaust, made alarming statements earlier this month, asserting the existence of an “occult element” among Jews at high societal levels. Fuentes, aged 25, declared that “when we take power, they need to be given the death penalty.” He expressed greater concern about those he believes engage in witchcraft and demonic activities than issues like non-white people or mass migration. Fuentes gained prominence through his far-right online broadcast “America First” and played a role in Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” campaign, establishing links with GOP elected officials, including US Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Wendy Rogers.
Canada
Youth in Ottawa Arrested for Alleged Terrorism Plot Targeting Jewish Community
n a significant development, a youth in Ottawa has been apprehended and charged with terrorist-related offenses allegedly targeting the Jewish community, as disclosed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The arrest, made on Friday, stems from accusations that the suspect either directly or indirectly instructed someone to carry out a terrorist activity against Jewish individuals. Additionally, the individual faces charges of facilitating a terrorist activity by communicating instructional material related to an explosive substance. The RCMP, however, has refrained from divulging further details, citing the suspect’s age as a limiting factor.
This incident underscores the disturbing rise in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims in Canada, a trend that has escalated since the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. The subsequent retaliatory military actions in Gaza have contributed to heightened tensions, leading to an increase in reported hate crimes. Ottawa’s Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed shock at the alleged planned attack, emphasizing the recent surge in antisemitism in the city. Authorities, including the RCMP and the Ottawa Police Service, are being credited for their strong investigative work that averted the potential threat, while community organizations, such as the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, remain vigilant, acknowledging the persistent and real threat to their community’s safety.
Canadian Men Linked to Far-Right Groups Face Terrorism and Hate Crime Charges
Two Canadian men, Matthew Althorpe and Kristoffer Nippak, associated with far-right, neo-Nazi, and white supremacist groups, have been charged with terrorism and hate crimes. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that the individuals were involved in creating extremist manifestos and recruiting videos, affiliated with the Atomwaffen Division and the Terrorgram Collective. These groups are known for promoting racist and antisemitic ideologies and have ties to violent incidents. The RCMP notes a surge in terrorism charges linked to far-right groups in Canada, emphasizing the need to address the increasing threat posed by such extremist ideologies.
Spain
Dismantling of Nazi Paramilitary Organization: 11 Leaders Arrested in Spain
The Spanish Guardia Civil has apprehended 11 leaders and initiated investigations into 11 additional members of a paramilitary organization with Nazi ideology. The arrests took place across various locations, including Almería, Alacant, Vizcaya, Castelló, Jaén, La Rioja, Madrid, Málaga, Teruel, Navarra, Pontevedra, Segovia, Sevilla, Toledo, València, and Zaragoza. The individuals are accused of crimes such as illicit association, insults to state institutions, attempted assault, illegal possession of weapons, promotion and incitement of hatred, as well as discrimination and violence against various communities.
During eight raids in Málaga and Roquetas de Mar (Almería), law enforcement seized ten firearms, 9,000+ cartridges, explosive precursors, 34 sulfuric acid bottles, and various prohibited weapons. The group’s leader, with 2,800 online followers, propagated hate against migrants, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, encouraging them to form an “army” for a regime overthrow. La Guardia Civil successfully dismantled the Nazi organization, which aimed to “overthrow the regime.” The organization, with a self-proclaimed “military order,” held supremacist leaders conducting nationwide meetings, raising concerns about potential violence. Members were instructed to arm themselves, resulting in some obtaining weapon licenses, while others acquired firearms, easily convertible starter pistols, and prohibited weapons.
Spain Joins Europol Operation to Remove Terrorist Manuals from the Internet
Spain, through the Center of Intelligence against Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO) of the Ministry of Interior, has participated in a Europol operation aimed at detecting and removing numerous online materials related to the preparation and execution of terrorist attacks. The operation, coordinated by Europol’s Internet Referral Unit (IRU), involved police forces from eight European countries, including Spain. Europol’s Referral Action Day on December 18 targeted 872 URLs containing instructional materials and manuals used by terrorists with various ideological motivations, including Extreme Right, covering topics such as assembling weapons, 3D-printed drones, bomb-making, chemical weapons, target selection, weapon choice for terrorist attacks, and anonymity strategies.
Cuba
Cuban Government Thwarts Alleged Terrorist Plot
The Cuban government claims to have uncovered and thwarted a terrorist plot allegedly orchestrated from South Florida, involving a Cuban individual who entered the country illegally on a jet ski. The individual, armed with handguns and ammunition, reportedly aimed to commit acts of violence, arson, and vandalism, attempting to recruit others for the plan. The Cuban authorities assert that the plot is linked to two groups, “Nueva Nacion Cubana” and “La Nueva Nación Cubana en Armas,” which they label as terrorist entities. These groups, with ties to individuals in the U.S., allegedly promote violent actions against the Cuban government, receiving military training and resources for their activities.
Poland
Polish Far-Right Legislator Extinguishes Hanukkah Menorah Candles
n an unprecedented incident, Grzegorz Braun, a far-right legislator in the Polish Parliament, used a fire extinguisher on Tuesday to put out the candles of a menorah lit to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The act, carried out by Braun, a member of the pro-Russian Confederation party known for controversial statements, drew swift condemnation from all major political parties. Braun has previously falsely claimed a conspiracy to turn Poland into a “Jewish state” and advocated for criminalizing homosexuality. Parliament President Szymon Holownia called the act “absolutely scandalous,” excluding Braun from the parliamentary session and vowing to report the incident to the prosecutor’s office. The Parliament also imposed the maximum financial penalty on Braun, resulting in the loss of a month and a half of his salary and allowances for six months.
Holownia emphasized that Poland is home to various religions and denounced the antisemitic and xenophobic behavior. Video footage of the incident shows Braun using a red fire extinguisher to extinguish the menorah candles, creating a cloud of smoke, mist, and white dust. Rabbi Shalom Ber Stambler, who led the Hanukkah ceremony, stated that the celebration had concluded peacefully before chaos ensued. Attendees pleaded with Braun to stop, and a Jewish community member attempted to intervene, suffering from exposure to the extinguisher’s smoke and requiring medical attention. Members of the Jewish community traditionally attend the menorah lighting in Parliament each year.
Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in December 2023
In December 2023, the global far-right terrorism landscape continued to exhibit concerning trends. A total of 14 incidents associated with right-wing extremist terrorism or radicalization were documented, indicating a slight decrease compared to the previous month. Notably, Latin America experienced a surge in such activities, with several incidents reported in countries like Cuba and Venezuela. We have observed a decrease in events in Europe, but one stands out. An impactful event in Spain serves as a reflection of the prevailing situation, as there has been a dismantling of a Nazi paramilitary organization, with 11 individuals arrested.
Violent incitement related to the extreme right remains evident this December, with several notable incidents unfolding on social media platforms. Despite efforts to address and curb online extremism, instances of provocative content, hate speech, and calls for violence originating from far-right ideologies persist.
Additionally, these far-right ideologies continue to be intertwined with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Many instances of violent incitement are linked to or influenced by the geopolitical tensions in the region.
Regarding incident typology, there is a notable trend in December 2023 regarding legal actions, as there were no reported violent acts related to extreme right ideology in December; however, there were several incitements to violence and ongoing trials concerning right-wing extremism during this period.
The surge in far-right violent incitement reflects the current global atmosphere of heightened tension and fractures between communities. It also highlights the emergence of racially motivated hate stemming from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These dynamics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both the immediate challenges of online extremism and the broader societal issues contributing to such trends.
The escalating presence of threats and the incitement of violence associated with extremist ideologies on social networks becomes increasingly significant. This growing concern compels us to perceive these platforms as virtual spaces hosting activities linked to right-wing extremism and terrorism.
Throughout December, the landscape of far-right extremist ideologies has witnessed notable developments, characterized by a sustained focus on anti-semitism sentiments and an intensified emphasis on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These incidents have raised alarm over an increasing prevalence of anti-Semitic and racially motivated ideologies within the far-right domain.
The intersection of surging far-right ideologies and escalating violence is a growing concern, portraying a shifting and dynamic landscape where anti-immigration sentiments and global conflicts, particularly the Gaza war, fuel extremist activities. Notably, there’s been a noticeable uptick in Neo-Nazi ideology, coupled with a surge in anti-Islamic and anti-Semitic sentiments. The intertwining of these ideologies and corresponding actions underscores the crucial need for a comprehensive response aimed at countering and preventing such incidents moving forward.
Finally, there has been an incident in Cuba involving anti-government ideologies which highlights the Cuban government’s claim of uncovering and thwarting a terrorist plot allegedly orchestrated from South Florida.
Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in 2023
In 2023, there has been a discernible uptick in the frequency of incidents associated with far-right extremism and the ensuing ideological violence. This surge has manifested with particular intensity in key regions such as Europe, the United States, and Canada, shaping the sociopolitical landscape. Nevertheless, the impact of this phenomenon has transcended these geographical boundaries, reaching and influencing various corners of the globe, including the emergence of far-right sentiments in regions like Oceania and Latin America.
Noteworthy is the amplification of far-right ideologies and activities on social media platforms throughout the year. These digital spaces have become breeding grounds for the dissemination of extremist ideologies, often accompanied by explicit calls for violence. The digital realm serves as an arena where such ideologies find resonance and where like-minded individuals can congregate, further amplifying the reach and impact of far-right narratives.
While there have been ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at curtailing the rise of far-right extremism, the effectiveness of these measures appears to be insufficient in fully mitigating the evolving threat. The multifaceted nature of this challenge demands a comprehensive response that addresses the root causes, both online and offline, and works towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant global society. As we navigate the complex dynamics of contemporary extremism, continued vigilance and adaptive strategies are imperative to safeguard against the persistent influence of far-right ideologies and their associated acts of violence.
Lastly, in the latter part of 2023, there has been a noticeable surge in racially discriminatory ideologies, particularly stemming from the conflict in Gaza. A graphic depicting the incidence of anti-Semitic sentiments from July to December 2023 reveals a significant uptick, notably gaining momentum after the initiation of the war in October. The data illustrates a marked increase in anti-Semitic incidents, reaching six cases in December alone.
This rise in discriminatory ideologies is not confined to anti-Semitic sentiments but also extends to anti-Islamic sentiments on a global scale. The interplay of geopolitical events, such as the Gaza war and the anti-immigration laws increase, appears to be influencing the prevalence of discriminatory ideologies, highlighting the complex interconnection between international conflicts and the propagation of discriminatory sentiments. Addressing this trend requires a comprehensive approach, including efforts to promote understanding, tolerance, and dialogue to mitigate the impact of racially discriminatory ideologies on a global scale.
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