Protection for asylum accommodation after attack plan in Lusatia

After the suspected planned explosives attack on a hostel for asylum seekers in Senftenberg, protection for the facility in southern Brandenburg has been stepped up. The investigating authorities are also looking into links between the right-wing extremist scene in Saxony and Brandenburg.

Brandenburg's Minister of the Interior, Katrin Lange (SPD), told the state parliament's interior committee in Potsdam this morning that property protection measures had been initiated at the temporary accommodation facility as a consequence of the proceedings.

A 21-year-old German from Meißen in Saxony is suspected of having equipped himself with explosives for an attack on an asylum shelter in Senftenberg.

Ball bombs found during searches in Saxony

During searches in February, police found two ball bombs, ammunition, alarm guns, soft air weapons and brass knuckles. The ball bombs were category F pyrotechnics, which pose a great danger, they said. The 21-year-old from Meißen was remanded in custody.

According to Brandenburg's police vice-president Jan Müller, it is suspected that he belongs to right-wing extremist circles. In this scene, there are structural connections across state borders. The police vice-president was unable to provide any information on the specific motive for the attack, which is believed to have been foiled.

Lange: Special organizational unit at police in the south

Interior Minister Lange said that there is a special organizational unit within the Southern Police Directorate, which also looks at individual incidents with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. South Brandenburg is considered a focal point of right-wing extremism.

In the Committee on Internal Affairs, SPD MP Erik Stohn told the Minister that she should not hesitate to take action against organized structures, including by banning associations. Fears were raised that there could be an increase in threatening situations at refugee shelters.

Police on attack in Stahnsdorf: political motive unclear

In Stahnsdorf (Potsdam-Mittelmark district), there was an attack on a refugee shelter at the weekend. Three suspects are being investigated on suspicion of dangerous bodily harm. However, the public prosecutor's office is keeping a low profile regarding the crime. It is not yet possible to say whether the crime was politically motivated, said police vice-president Müller. The motivation for the crime is still unclear.

Investigation after incident at youth club in Senftenberg

A youth club in Senftenberg is also said to have been the target of an attack by a group of people in dark clothing at the beginning of March. No one was injured and the building was not damaged, said the Minister of the Interior. The suspects have not yet been found. State security had taken over the investigation. According to the police statement, visitors had reported that a group of people had thrown stones at the building.