German state premier’s bodyguards suspended over far-right links

BERLIN (AA) - Bodyguards of a German state premier were suspended over their links to far-right groups, local media reported on Friday.

Two police officers, who were responsible for the protection of Saxony-Anhalt’s premier Reiner Haseloff, were members of a radical organization’s chat group, according to public broadcaster MDR.

The incident was the latest in a string of scandals that revealed far-right police and military officers were serving in critical roles or positions in Germany.

The two bodyguards, who were suspended a few weeks ago, were responsible for the protection of the premier since 2012, according to the report.

A police investigation in the neighboring state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania revealed that these police officers were members of a right-wing extremist chat group, investigators told media.

In the chat group, right-wing extremist content including texts and images, were shared among the members.

The two police officers not only had close contact with the premier, but also had access to special weapons and confidential information, according to the reports.