Far-right violence and terrorism – June 2024

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Introduction

In June 2024, 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 June 2024, 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.

 

SPAIN

Neo-Nazi Assaults Comedian During Performance in Madrid

Comedian Jaime Caravaca was assaulted by neo-Nazi rock singer Alberto Pugilato during a performance in Madrid after a social media comment about Pugilato’s newborn son. Footage shows Pugilato interrupting Caravaca’s monologue, striking him in the face, and accusing him of pedophilia due to a previous comment on social media. Caravaca’s remark, made on May 31, suggested that Pugilato’s son might grow up to be gay, which the aggressor misinterpreted. (1) Following the attack, Pugilato issued a conditional apology, accepting Caravaca’s subsequent public apology for the inappropriate comment.

The incident sparked a wave of online hate against Caravaca, with many users defending Pugilato’s actions. Despite this, Caravaca has expressed regret for his comment and called for an end to violence. The Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, expressed support for Caravaca. Pugilato, known for his supremacist and racist views, has a history of legal issues and has previously been convicted of hate crimes. The attack and its aftermath have highlighted ongoing tensions and the presence of extremist views within Spain.

Two Men Linked to White Supremacy Arrested for Xenophobic Attacks in Barcelona Metro

The police has arrested two men, aged 32 and 33, accused of racially motivated assaults on passengers and a private security guard in the Barcelona metro on April 16th. According to Catalan Police authorities, the suspects verbally abused and harassed passengers of foreign origin in a metro carriage, escalating to physical confrontation when a security guard intervened to stop the attacks. During the incident, one of the assailants pushed the guard to the ground while the other attempted to strangle him, uttering racist insults throughout. The investigation is ongoing to determine if there are more victims of these attacks, which have been linked to violent far-right supremacist movements (2).

This case underscores concerns about racially and xenophobically motivated violence, as well as the presence of extremist ideologies in public spaces. The police are continuing efforts to identify other potential victims of these individuals, who face charges related to assault and violations of fundamental rights. The involvement of the Central Unit for Hate Crimes and Discrimination reflects Catalonia’s commitment to combating such behaviors that threaten peaceful coexistence and public safety in the region.

Outrage in Germany After Nazi Chants Heard at Ibiza Hotel Pool

A scandal has erupted in Germany after a video surfaced of young people chanting Nazi slogans at a hotel pool in Ibiza. The footage was captured by well-known model Anna Adamyan, who has over 625,000 Instagram followers and is married to footballer Sargis Adamyan of 1. FC Köln. The couple, along with their baby, were vacationing when they heard chants such as “Foreigners out!” and “Germany for the Germans!” coming from the hotel pool. Horrified, Anna shared the video online after much deliberation, ensuring the faces of the youths were pixelated (3).

German media have lamented this as yet another instance of young Germans engaging in similar scandals. The video not only captured the offensive chants but also included voices reprimanding the young men. Anna Adamyan expressed her disgust on social media, questioning how her compatriots could participate in such behavior. She criticized the trivialization of Nazi slogans, highlighting the horrific history of the Nazi regime’s genocide against Jews, Roma, and others. The incident has garnered widespread coverage in German media, with Adamyan stating she refuses to stay silent as her son grows up in a world where such hatred persists. The hotel apologized, attributing the guests’ behavior to alcohol influence.

 

GREECE

Court Overturns Early Release of Greek Neo-Nazi Leader

A panel of judges in Lamia has revoked the early release of Nikos Michaloliakos, the founder of Greece’s far-right Golden Dawn party, ruling him “unrepentant” and likely to commit new crimes. Michaloliakos, who had been granted parole on May 2, was originally sentenced to 13.5 years in prison in 2020 for leading a “criminal organization” responsible for attacks, including murders, on immigrants, refugees, and political opponents (4).

The court’s decision followed an appeal by the deputy prosecutor in Lamia, emphasizing Michaloliakos’ failure to demonstrate good behavior or remorse. His writings and continued praise for Nazi-style practices contributed to the ruling. Michaloliakos, now detained and expected to appear before a prosecutor, has a history of violent crimes linked to Golden Dawn, including the 2013 murders of an anti-fascist rapper and a Pakistani migrant. Golden Dawn, once a fringe party, rose to prominence during Greece’s 2010 debt crisis, becoming the third largest party in parliament at its peak.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

Far-Right Nationalists March in London Against Immigration and Perceived Police Bias

Thousands of far-right British nationalists marched through the streets of London to protest against immigration and what they perceive as biased policing. The demonstrators claimed that authorities apply a double standard when dealing with different activist groups, particularly pointing to pro-Palestinian protests in the capital (5).

Prominent far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, joined the marchers, many of whom included football hooligans identified by Scotland Yard. Robinson urged his followers to “take back” the streets of London, as the protesters chanted anti-Islamic slogans and aimed to reignite controversy over the recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have sparked heated debates about the freedom of protest in the UK.

 

ARGENTINA

Arrest of Young Man Planning Attacks Against Jews and LGBT People

A 23-year-old man from Parque Avellaneda in Buenos Aires was arrested for disseminating content advocating attacks against Jewish and LGBT communities. During the raid on his residence, Argentine Federal Police (PFA) discovered explosives, weapons, and Nazi propaganda materials, according to police sources. The operation was prompted by investigations from the Specialized Unit in Cybercrime (Ufeci), revealing the suspect’s use of Telegram to coordinate potential attacks via the “Nazi chat” channel. The suspect expressed extremist views, including a desire to “exterminate Jews and gays,” underscoring concerns about rising hate-driven extremism in Argentina (6).

The arrest has sparked alarm among advocacy groups like 100% Diversidad y Derechos, highlighting broader concerns amidst a political climate where right-wing parties and governments tolerate or even promote discriminatory rhetoric. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in combating hate speech and extremism, amidst recent government actions that have dismantled anti-discrimination policies and sparked controversy within marginalized communities, including LGBT+ individuals and women.

 

UNITED STATES

Man Sentenced for Hate Crimes Linked to White Supremacist Group

A Michigan man, Nathan Weeden, 24, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for conspiring with the white supremacist group, The Base, to deface a Jewish synagogue and target Black and Jewish communities. Weeden vandalized Temple Jacob in Hancock, Michigan, with swastikas and symbols associated with The Base on September 21, 2019 (7). The U.S. Department of Justice stated that Weeden was convicted of one count of conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate and one count of intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious property based on race or ethnic characteristics.

Weeden conspired with Richard Tobin of New Jersey and Yousef Barasneh of Wisconsin, using an encrypted messaging platform to plan “Operation Kristallnacht.” This operation was named after the 1938 events where Nazis killed Jews and destroyed their homes, synagogues, businesses, and schools. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division emphasized that such acts of white supremacist violence will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable.

Trial Begins for Man Accused in Violent Charlottesville White Nationalist Rally

Years after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, erupted into violence, the trial of Jacob Joseph Dix, one of approximately twelve people accused of using incendiary torches to intimidate counter-protesters, began earlier this month. The trial commenced with jury selection and will test a Virginia law enacted in 2002, which criminalizes burning objects with the intent to intimidate and instill fear of injury or death. This law was passed following a state Supreme Court ruling that declared a cross-burning statute used against Ku Klux Klan members unconstitutional.

On the night of August 11, 2017, several hundred white nationalists marched through the University of Virginia campus, many carrying torches and chanting slogans like “Jews will not replace us!” (8). The rally, organized over two days, partly aimed to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and is believed to have been the largest gathering of white supremacists in a decade.

Convicted Kansas Jewish Site Killer Indifferent to Death Sentence, Jury Deliberates Fate

A white supremacist convicted of killing three people at Jewish sites in Kansas told the jury that he doesn’t care if he is sentenced to death. Jurors are now deliberating whether to recommend the death penalty for Frazier Glenn Miller Jr., 74, who was found guilty of the 2014 murders. Miller, who has confessed to the killings, delivered a rambling final statement in which he expressed indifference towards his sentence, ending with a Nazi salute.

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe argued that Miller’s actions warrant the death penalty. The murders occurred at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park and the Village Shalom retirement center, although none of the victims were Jewish (9). Miller, who defended himself in court, has a history of leading white supremacist groups and ran for political office on a white power platform. Despite the jury’s recommendation, it remains uncertain if the death penalty will be carried out, as Kansas lacks the necessary drugs for lethal injection and has not conducted an execution in decades.

Neo-Nazi Prisoner Caught Selling Ghost Guns from Behind Bars

In a startling case unveiled by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Hayden Espinosa, a 24-year-old neo-Nazi prisoner, was discovered operating a ghost gun sales operation from behind bars. Using contraband mobile phones smuggled into the federal prison where he was serving time in Louisiana, Espinosa allegedly advertised and sold 3D-printed ghost gun parts. His activities came to light when he unknowingly sold these illegal firearm components to an undercover officer from the New York Police Department. This operation was traced back through an encrypted messaging app previously associated with a racially motivated mass shooting, highlighting the nexus between online extremism and real-world violence (10).

The revelation underscores broader concerns about the proliferation of ghost guns, which are unregistered firearms assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts and lack serial numbers. District Attorney Bragg emphasized the alarming convergence of gun trafficking, extremism, and hate, warning of the potential dangers posed by such activities both online and on the streets. The case has brought renewed attention to the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and combating extremist activities conducted through encrypted channels, even from within the confines of a prison cell.

Neo-Nazi Group Displays Nazi Symbolism in South Dakota March

A neo-Nazi group known as the “Blood Tribe” marched through Pierre and Deadwood in South Dakota, openly displaying Nazi symbolism and chanting slogans led by their leader, Christopher Pohlhaus, also known as “The Hammer.” The group, described by the Anti-Defamation League as a hardcore white supremacist organization blending elements of Adolf Hitler’s ideology with Norse Paganism, drew widespread condemnation across the state (11).

State Auditor Rich Sattgast, a veteran influenced by his family’s history of military service in World War II, personally encountered the Blood Tribe in Deadwood. He commended law enforcement for swiftly intervening to prevent physical altercations, noting the group’s attempts to provoke violence. Sattgast emphasized the community’s responsibility to vocally oppose neo-Nazi activities, echoing sentiments from other political figures who condemned the group’s presence as deeply troubling and contrary to South Dakota’s values.

Arizona Man Indicted for Plotting Mass Shooting to Incite Race War at Atlanta Concert

Mark Adams Prieto, a 58-year-old man from Prescott, Arizona, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to planning a mass shooting targeting African Americans and other minorities at a rap concert in Atlanta. The indictment includes charges of firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Prieto’s arrest follows a lengthy FBI investigation initiated after a confidential source reported his desire to incite a race war prior to the 2024 presidential election. The source revealed that Prieto had made alarming statements advocating for a mass shooting aimed at Blacks, Jews, or Muslims (12).

Prieto, known for trading firearms at gun shows in Prescott, allegedly planned the attack to coincide with his belief that martial law would follow the election. He discussed leaving Confederate flags at the scene to send a message and emphasized causing a high body count. Under FBI surveillance, Prieto was observed discussing logistics and selling firearms to an undercover agent, leading to his subsequent arrest and indictment for these serious charges.

This case highlights ongoing concerns over racially motivated violence and the intersection of extremist ideologies with firearms trafficking. The federal indictment underscores the severity of Prieto’s alleged plans and aims to prevent such acts from endangering public safety and exacerbating societal tensions.

The United States Designates Nordic Neo-Nazi Group as Terrorist Organization

The United States has officially designated the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM) and three of its leaders as terrorists, marking only the second time a foreign white supremacist organization has received such a designation. The U.S. State Department announced the decision, targeting NRM leaders Tor Fredrik Vejdeland, Pär Öberg, and Leif Robert Eklund. This designation comes as part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to counter domestic terrorism, specifically racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism (RMVE).

The NRM, a transnational neo-Nazi organization founded in Sweden in 1997, has been implicated in numerous violent activities rooted in its openly racist, anti-immigrant, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQI+ platform. The group’s members have committed violent attacks against political opponents, journalists, and other perceived adversaries. Additionally, they have engaged in weapon and explosive preparation and conducted combat training (13). The U.S. State Department’s designation aims to disrupt the NRM’s financial capabilities, thereby hindering their ability to fund and execute their violent activities. This move underscores the persistent threat posed by white supremacist groups and the importance of addressing their transnational connections and influence.

Federal Appeals Court in Pasadena to Hear Case of Accused O.C. White Supremacist

Federal prosecutors will present their case before a panel of judges at the Richard H. Chambers U.S. Court of Appeals in West Pasadena, seeking to overturn the dismissal of charges against Robert Rundo, an alleged member of a violent white supremacist group from Orange County. In April, a Santa Ana federal judge released Rundo while prosecutors appealed the dismissal of his indictment. Rundo and others are accused of inciting violence at political rallies, but the judge argued that antifa activists posed a greater threat (14).

U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney cited “selective prosecution,” stating that prosecutors targeted white supremacist groups without charging left-wing activists. Rundo’s co-defendant, Tyler Laube, received a 35-day sentence for assaulting a journalist. The case involves rallies in Huntington Beach, Berkeley, and San Bernardino in 2017. Carney emphasized Rundo’s relatively minor charges and lack of recent violent behavior, leading to his release. The prosecution argues Rundo attempted to flee before his arrest, but his defense claims he was surrendering voluntarily.

Final Member of White Supremacist Plot in Idaho Pleads Guilty

The fifth and final member of a white supremacist plot targeting energy facilities in Idaho has pled guilty in federal court. Jordan Duncan, 29, of Boise, a former Marine previously stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, admitted to aiding and abetting the manufacturing of a firearm as part of a plan to assault the western power grid in Idaho.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Duncan and his co-defendants met on the now-defunct “Iron March” online forum, a hub for young neo-Nazis. The group modeled their plan after a similar attack using assault-style rifles to attempt to explode a power substation. Duncan leveraged his military experience to amass information on firearms, explosives, and nerve toxins, which he shared with the group. The co-defendants conducted a “live fire” training session in the desert south of Boise, filming a propaganda video where they wore AtomWaffen masks and performed Nazi salutes under a black sun, a Nazi symbol (15).

 

GERMANY

German Police Investigate Video of Students Making Nazi Salute Before Auschwitz Visit

German police have launched an investigation following the release of a video showing several 17-year-old students making the Nazi salute before visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp. The trip took place in mid-May, involving 13 students from a school in Laatzen, who traveled to Krakow with their teachers. Four of them were recorded performing the salute associated with the Third Reich, an act described by the school’s principal as “completely immature” (16).

The principal explained to the newspaper ‘Allgemeine Zeitung’ that the incident occurred the evening before the visit to the concentration camp and that the students had also watched videos of dictator Adolf Hitler. The video was posted on Snapchat and was noticed by the teachers upon their return. The school has temporarily expelled the five students involved, including the one who filmed the video, and has condemned the act. The use of Nazi symbols is illegal in Germany, except in educational or historical contexts.

German Far-Right Leader Faces Second Trial for Using Nazi Slogan

Björn Höcke, the leader of the most radical faction of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), is facing a second trial starting for using a Nazi Stormtroopers (SA) slogan. Höcke, head of the AfD in Thuringia, eastern Germany, is accused of chanting the banned slogan “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany) in Gera in December 2023, where he shouted the first two words and invited the approximately 350 attendees to complete the phrase.

The prosecution accuses Höcke in a Halle court of using symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. He had previously referenced ongoing legal proceedings at that time for using the slogan during an election campaign event in Merseburg, also in eastern Germany, in May 2021 (17). At the start of the trial, Höcke’s lawyers requested the case be dismissed, questioning the jurisdiction of the Halle district court and asserting that Höcke had been prejudged publicly, affecting his right to a fair trial.

 

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in June 2024

In June 2024, the global landscape of far-right terrorism experienced a disturbing surge, with 17 attacks occurring across Europe and the Americas. These incidents have raised alarms about the increasing influence and reach of extremist ideologies. Notably, Greece and Argentina each witnessed a violent incident, drawing significant attention to the spread of this dangerous trend beyond traditionally affected regions.

Across Europe, there is a discernible and worrying trend of far-right and neo-Nazi ideologies gaining traction. This growing sentiment is not only affecting individual citizens but is also making significant inroads into political arenas. This phenomenon is particularly evident among younger populations, where the appeal of extremist views is alarmingly on the rise. Many young people, disillusioned with mainstream politics and societal structures, are turning to far-right ideologies, seeing them as a means to express their frustrations and desire for change. Social media platforms and online communities have played a crucial role in propagating these ideologies, making it easier for radical groups to recruit and radicalize youth.

In June 2024, there has been a notable increase in trials and forms of direct violence such as incitement or threats of violence associated with extreme right-wing ideologies, reflecting a heightened awareness of the threat posed by these movements. This rise is evidenced by a surge in legal actions and public incidents, underscoring the pervasive and alarming nature of far-right extremism in contemporary society. One significant legal action stands out: the United States has designated the Nordic Resistance Movement, a neo-Nazi group, as a terrorist organization. This unprecedented move marks a critical step in recognizing and combating the international spread of extremist ideologies.

The designation of the Nordic Resistance Movement as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government is a clear acknowledgment of the serious threat posed by this group. This designation not only aims to curb the group’s activities but also serves as a warning to other far-right organizations that their extremist actions will not be tolerated on an international scale.

In addition to this significant legal development, there has been a noticeable increase in incidents of far-right violence and incitement during sports events. These arenas, traditionally seen as venues for unity and community spirit, are increasingly being exploited by extremists to propagate their hateful ideologies.

Throughout June 2024, the far-right extremist landscape witnessed a concerning proliferation of ideologies, marked by an increase in their diversity and intensity. Neo-Nazi, white supremacy, and racially motivated ideologies continued to dominate, contributing to numerous incidents across various regions.

One notable incident occurred in Argentina, highlighting the global reach of far-right extremism. A young man was arrested for planning attacks against Jews and LGBT+ individuals, underscoring the intersectionality of hate-driven ideologies and the real-world threats posed by individuals radicalized by extremist rhetoric.

In addition to familiar ideologies, this month introduced a new and somewhat unexpected presence: Norse paganism. This ancient belief system, often associated with pre-Christian Scandinavia, surfaced during a march in South Dakota. Norse paganism encompasses a range of spiritual beliefs and practices centered around Norse gods and mythology, distinct from mainstream religions and often co-opted by modern extremist groups for symbolic purposes.

 

REFERENCES

Agencia Presentes. (2024, June 5). Buenos Aires City: Young man detained for planning attacks against Jews and LGBT people. Agencia Presentes. https://agenciapresentes.org/2024/06/05/caba-detienen-a-un-joven-que-planeaba-atentados-contra-judios-y-personas-lgbt/

Al Jazeera. (2024, June 3). Court overturns early release of Greek neo-Nazi leader. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/3/court-overturns-early-release-of-greek-neo-nazi-leader

Beckham, D. (2024, June 24). German far-right leader faces second trial for using Nazi slogan. Infobae. https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2024/06/24/lider-ultraderechista-aleman-se-enfrenta-a-un-segundo-juicio-por-usar-un-eslogan-nazi/

CNN. (2024, June 14). United States designates Nordic neo-Nazi group as terrorist. CNN. https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2024/06/14/estados-unidos-terrorista-grupo-neonazi-nordico-trax/

Dakota News Now. (2024, June 9). South Dakotans react to Neo-Nazi group marching in Pierre, Deadwood. Dakota News Now. https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2024/06/09/south-dakotans-react-neo-nazi-group-marching-pierre-deadwood/

EL PAÍS. (2024, June 12). Two supremacists arrested for xenophobic attacks in Barcelona metro. EL PAÍS. https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2024-06-12/detenidos-dos-supremacistas-por-ataques-xenofobos-en-el-metro-de-barcelona.html

EL PAÍS. (2024, June 4). Neo-Nazi assaults comedian Jaime Caravaca during performance in Madrid. EL PAÍS. https://elpais.com/cultura/2024-06-04/un-neonazi-agrede-al-comico-jaime-caravaca-durante-una-actuacion-en-un-local-de-madrid.html

Euronews.com. (2024, June 2). Thousands support far-right march in London. Euronews.com. https://es.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/06/02/miles-de-personas-apoyan-una-marcha-de-extrema-derecha-en-londres

Idaho News. (2024, June 25). Final member pleads guilty in Idaho white supremacist plot to attack power grid. Idaho News. https://idahonews.com/news/local/final-member-pleads-guilty-in-idaho-white-supremacist-plot-to-attack-power-grid

Infobae. (2024, June 24). German police investigate video of students making Nazi salute before Auschwitz visit. Infobae. Retrieved July 2, 2024, from https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2024/06/24/la-policia-alemana-investiga-un-video-con-estudiantes-haciendo-el-saludo-nazi-antes-de-visitar-auschwitz/

LaSexta. Consternación en Alemania por unos jóvenes profiriendo cánticos nazis: “Es una vergüenza”. (2024, May 25). https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/internacional/consternacion-alemania-jovenes-profiriendo-canticos-nazis-verguenza_202405256651e74a17629a0001337246.html

MYSA. (2024, June 4). Trial begins for man accused in Charlottesville torch march in 2017. MYSA. https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/world/article/comienza-juicio-contra-hombre-acusado-por-marcha-19495089.php

NBC News. (2024, June 12). Arizona man planned mass shooting to incite race war, feds say. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arizona-man-planned-mass-shooting-targeting-african-americans-atlanta-rcna156735

Noudiari.es. (2024, June 14). Scandal in Germany over Nazi chants at hotel pool in Ibiza. Noudiari.es. https://www.noudiari.es/local-ibiza/escandalo-en-alemania-por-unos-canticos-nazis-en-la-piscina-de-un-hotel-en-ibiza/

Pasadena Now. (2024, June 18). Federal Appeals Court in Pasadena to Hear Case of Accused O.C. White Supremacist. Pasadena Now. https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/federal-appeals-court-in-pasadena-to-hear-case-of-accused-o-c-white-supremacist/

Telemundo 47. (2024, June 11). Neo-Nazi prisoner allegedly sold weapons from jail. Telemundo 47. https://www.telemundo47.com/noticias/prisionero-neonazi-supuestamente-vendio-armas-desde-la-carcel/2481061/

The Universal. (n.d.). Kansas debate death penalty for attacker at Jewish site. The Universal. https://www.eluniversal.com.co/mundo/2015/09/08/kansas-debaten-pena-de-muerte-para-atacante-de-sitio-judio