Extremist content shocks Berlin youth fire department!

Extremist content shocks Berlin youth fire department!

Extremist content was discovered in a chat group run by the Berlin youth fire brigade. This was confirmed on Wednesday by the Berlin fire department, which is now carefully examining the content and context of the chat. An extremism officer was called in to analyze the situation and take appropriate action. According to the report by “B.Z.” Among other things, images of Adolf Hitler and inhumane insults were shared in the group, which caused considerable concern.

The Berlin fire department has already suspended the work of the Charlottenburg-Nord youth fire department until further notice. This decision followed the discovery of the problematic statements, which not only violate the principles of a respectful and open community, but are also in stark contrast to the values ​​of a democratic society, such as human rights and tolerance.

Cancellation of the meeting and immediate action

As a result of the incidents, a planned meeting of the youth fire brigade on Monday was canceled at short notice. The official reason for this was organizational reasons. The fire department emphasizes that any statements or behavior that violate the principles of an open society will not be accepted.

Meanwhile, it became known that three young people aged 14 and 16 broke into the fire department station during an incident. They had put on uniforms, used pyrotechnics and made provocative statements that were classified as extremist. The young people were immediately suspended and banned from entering the building.

Background on political extremism on the Internet

The discovery of such content in the youth fire brigade is part of a larger problem in dealing with extremism on the Internet, which also affects young people. Political and religious extremism is increasingly expressed on social networks and is often disguised as political education or entertainment. Extremists use the media behavior of young people to spread their messages and in the process stir up resentment against other groups.

According to the findings on extremism and radicalization, a distinction is made between “cognitive extremists”, whose statements are anti-social but not punishable, and “violent extremists”, who incite or justify violence. These distinctions are crucial to finding the right way to deal with such incidents and minimizing the potential for radicalization in society.

The Berlin Fire Department is taking the incident seriously and plans to take further steps in collaboration with the Extremism Commissioner and other authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of their organization and to promote respectful coexistence.