During a Europe-wide day of action against hatred and agitation on the Internet, the German police searched more than 80 apartments and other buildings in eleven federal states. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) in Wiesbaden announced on Tuesday that it was about securing smartphones and laptops. Knapp 100 suspects should be questioned about alleged hate comments they have published.

At the sixth edition Six other European countries took part on the day of action this year. According to the BKA, the investigators struck in these federal states: Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Federal Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht explained: “The consistent action of the police and judiciary serves to protect all people who are threatened and defamed on the Internet. Enemies of people and democracy stir up a dangerous climate of violence. Words can become deeds.”

Anyone who rushes and threatens must expect charges and convictions. The hatred hits Jews, Muslims, refugees, politically active people – and among all of these, especially women, up to and including disgusting threats of rape. “I would like to encourage those affected by hate postings to consistently file criminal charges so that these acts can be prosecuted,” said the SPD politician.

(axk)