Germany fires soldiers over alleged cases of right-wing extremism, sexual misconduct, drug abuse

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany’s military has reportedly dismissed several soldiers and announced further consequences following alleged cases of right-wing extremism, sexual misconduct, and drug abuse among paratroopers, media reports said Monday.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper reported that investigations had been ongoing for months in Parachute Regiment 26 in the southwestern town of Zweibrücken. In addition to right-wing extremism and sexual misconduct, the investigations also concern violent rituals and drugs.

The public prosecutor's office is reportedly investigating 19 soldiers.

Several dozen defendants in the regiment are accused of sexual assault and harassment against women. At least 30 soldiers are said to have been involved in right-wing extremist and anti-Semitic incidents, which amounts to more than 200 individual offenses.

An unnamed spokeswoman for the army confirmed to the German news agency that “extensive investigations against a total of 55 suspects” had been conducted in recent months.

“Dismissal proceedings have been initiated against 19 suspects. In three cases, this has already taken place.” The investigations were triggered by several complaints submitted by female soldiers of the Parachute Regiment 26 to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces in June.

- Defense Ministry announces action plan for airborne troops

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Kenneth Harms, told journalists in Berlin about an action plan for the airborne troops. This plan is to be based on a report by Field Army Commander Harald Gante, which is nearing completion and is to be presented to Army Inspector Christian Freuding.

The report is expected to include measures in the areas of training, leadership, and prevention to prevent future misconduct.