German Police Raid Neonazi Fight Event with Dutch Participants

hachenburg - German police conducted a raid on a martial arts event organized by the neonazi party Der Dritte Weg (The Third Way) in Rhineland-Palatinate state, with Dutch nationals and minors in attendance.

The event took place in a building in Hachenburg, between Cologne and Frankfurt. Around 130 people were present, and there was a boxing ring. The police operation involved over two hundred officers and lasted until late at night, mostly without incidents. However, reports say a police officer was insulted as a 'jerk'.

No arrests were made, but some far-right items were seized for investigation of potential illegal possession.

Rhineland-Palatinate Interior Minister Michael Ebling stated that far-right groups utilize such martial arts events to expand their network. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against 'enemies' of the democratic rule of law.

The German domestic intelligence service estimates Der Dritte Weg has approximately 800 followers. The group, known for its 'nationalsocialist, antisemitic, and racist' ideology, was founded in 2013.