sueddeutsche.de
102 Right-Wing Extremists and Reichsbürgers Held Firearm Licenses in Hessen
By the end of 2024, 102 right-wing extremists and 34 Reichsbürgers in Hessen, Germany, held firearm licenses; authorities revoked licenses from 11 extremists and 13 Reichsbürgers, initiating proceedings against 21 and 17 more respectively. Four individuals belonged to both groups.
- How many right-wing extremists and Reichsbürger in Hessen, Germany, held firearm licenses by the end of 2024, and what actions were taken to revoke these licenses?
- In Hessen, Germany, 102 individuals associated with right-wing extremism held firearm licenses by the end of 2024. Of these, 53 possessed only a "Kleiner Waffenschein" (small firearms license), while 49 held a full weapons license. Eleven had their licenses revoked, and proceedings to revoke another 21 were initiated.
- What specific types of firearm licenses were held by right-wing extremists and Reichsbürgers in Hessen, and what are the legal requirements for obtaining such licenses in Germany?
- The figures highlight a concerning trend of right-wing extremists and Reichsbürger (citizens of the Reich) possessing firearms in Hessen. A total of 17 Reichsbürger had their licenses revoked, and proceedings against 17 others were initiated. The overlap of four individuals in both categories underscores the need for stricter monitoring and control of firearm licenses.
- What are the potential implications of right-wing extremists and Reichsbürgers possessing firearms in Hessen, and what measures could be implemented to strengthen firearm control and prevent future risks?
- This situation necessitates a thorough review of Germany's firearm licensing procedures, particularly concerning background checks and the assessment of "berechtigtes Bedürfnis" (legitimate need). The overlap between right-wing extremist and Reichsbürger groups warrants further investigation into potential networks and collaborative activities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's headline and lead paragraph immediately highlight the number of right-wing extremists and Reichsbürgers with gun licenses, creating a sense of alarm and potential threat. This framing prioritizes a specific aspect of the issue (extremist gun ownership) over a broader discussion of gun control laws or the overall prevalence of gun ownership in Hessen.
Language Bias
The article uses neutral language in presenting the statistics. However, the choice to focus prominently on the number of extremists with gun licenses, without providing contextualizing information, implicitly frames these individuals as a potential threat. More balanced reporting would include a wider perspective on gun laws and gun ownership.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the number of individuals with right-wing extremist or Reichsbürger affiliations who possess gun licenses, but omits discussion of the overall number of gun licenses held in Hessen. This omission prevents a contextual understanding of the proportion of extremists holding licenses compared to the general population. Furthermore, the article doesn't mention any efforts to prevent individuals with such affiliations from obtaining licenses in the first place, focusing solely on post-licensing revocation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by focusing solely on the revocation of gun licenses from right-wing extremists and Reichsbürger, implying this is the only or primary method of addressing the issue. It ignores other potential preventative measures or broader societal approaches to preventing extremism and gun violence.
Gender Bias
The article lacks gender-specific data and analysis. The focus is on affiliation (right-wing extremist or Reichsbürger) rather than on gender distribution within these groups, omitting potential gender-related biases or disparities in gun ownership among these affiliations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the revocation of weapon licenses from individuals associated with right-wing extremism and Reichsbürger movements. This action directly contributes to enhancing public safety and preventing potential violence, thereby supporting the goals of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The removal of weapons from individuals deemed a threat reduces the risk of violent crime and promotes a safer society.