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German military authorities are investigating an elite paratrooper regiment amid allegations of antisemitic conduct, far-right extremism, and sexual abuse.
Germany’s Defense Ministry said on Monday the reported behavior was “unacceptable.”
The regiment is stationed in Zweibrücken. The investigation began after two women soldiers submitted formal complaints in June, prompting a wider review of conduct inside the unit.
Allegations of an Antisemitic Inner Circle
Reporting by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung describes allegations that a group of soldiers established a far-right, openly antisemitic clique within the regiment.
According to sources cited by the newspaper, soldiers openly used antisemitc slurs and Nazi salutes were performed as a common form of greeting. If confirmed, such acts would violate both German law and military regulations.
The report also detailed a party attended by members of the unit that featured Nazi-themed imagery. A photograph from the event reportedly shows soldiers wearing outfits resembling Nazi-era uniforms, including red armbands. The armbands stopped short of displaying a swastika.
Some soldiers denied any Nazi intent. They claimed the costumes drew inspiration from the television series Peaky Blinders. The imagery, however, reportedly had no clear link to the show’s historical setting.
Sanctions and Dismissals Underway
The German Defense Ministry confirmed that action has already been taken. Ministry spokesman Kenneth Harms said authorities imposed disciplinary measures on several soldiers. The military has also carried out initial dismissals. Earlier this year, officials replaced the regiment’s commander.
“Right-wing extremism and inappropriate sexual behavior are the offenses in question,” Harms said. “Neither is acceptable in the Bundeswehr.”
Harms added that responsibility would not stop with direct perpetrators. Superiors who ignored or tolerated misconduct would also face consequences.
Military officials later confirmed that dozens of suspects remained under investigation. Authorities have referred multiple cases to civilian prosecutors. The military has also initiated dismissal proceedings against a number of soldiers.
State prosecutors in Zweibrücken confirmed that their criminal investigations are ongoing.
The response will show whether Germany enforces zero tolerance in uniform — or allows dangerous ideologies to take root behind closed doors.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
