Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius (SPD) was shocked by the Incidents in a paratroop regiment the Bundeswehr shown. The reported cases of right-wing extremism, sexual misconduct and drug use are shocking and completely contradict the fundamental values of the Bundeswehr, Pistorius told the dpa news agency.
Pistorius also criticized the behavior of the military leadership on site. They began the investigation immediately and have since ensured comprehensive clarification and harsh consequences. What would not work, however, was “that the misconduct was apparently not immediately recognized as such on site and was therefore not pursued with the necessary consequences. That must be ruled out,” said Pistorius.
Pistorius wants complete clarification
It is now important that the individual incidents are “completely clarified” and that any further cases are “punished with the utmost rigor,” said the Defense Minister. “Third, trust in the local military leadership must be restored.”
In order to prevent the misconduct from repeating itself, there should be a so-called “airborne force action plan,” Pistorius continued. The Army Inspector, Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, has initiated measures to this end. It must be clear that extremism, sexual misconduct and drug use have no place in the Bundeswehr. In addition, there should be no fear of reporting incidents – or even false solidarity with perpetrators. There must always be a safe space in which those affected can feel safe to come forward, said Pistorius.
Sexualized violence and Hitler salutes
After investigations in Zweibrücken, Rhineland-Palatinate, the 26th Paratrooper Regiment says it has now dismissed several soldiers and has initiated the dismissal of 16 others. According to the Bundeswehr, a total of 55 suspects are being investigated.
The investigation was triggered by reports from female soldiers of the 26th Paratrooper Regiment to the Bundestag’s Armed Forces Commissioner in June. As a result, there was a right-wing extremist, openly anti-Semitic group of soldiers in Zweibrücken. The allegations range from incitement and the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations to Hitler salutes and an alleged “Nazi party” like that Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported.
Significantly more right-wing extremist cases in the Bundeswehr
In addition, sexual misconduct such as exhibitionism and sexual violence occurred. The female soldiers had to listen to rape fantasies and were exposed to bullying and sexual assault. In total there are more than 200 suspected crimes.
The 26th Paratrooper Regiment comprises around 1,700 soldiers. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense announced measures to journalists to prevent future undesirable developments. Last year it had, according to the Bundeswehr 280 right-wing extremist incidents in the troops, a significant increase compared to the previous year.
