BERLIN – German authorities conducted widespread police raids across six states on Wednesday targeting a group allegedly linked to an international network seeking to overthrow the Eritrean government. The individuals are reportedly associated with Brigade N’Hamedu, which is under investigation in Germany for suspected terrorist activities.
German Police Raid Suspected Eritrean Extremist Group
The federal prosecutor’s office in Germany has leveled accusations against 17 individuals, alleging they either founded or joined the German chapter of Brigade N’Hamedu. Prosecutors are classifying Brigade N’Hamedu as a terrorist organization.
Suspects Held Senior Positions, Investigations Suggest
Ongoing investigations indicate that the suspects purportedly occupied leadership roles within the organization. The German branch of Brigade N’Hamedu, reportedly active since at least 2022, is implicated in acts of violence at events related to the Eritrean government.
Violent Incidents at Eritrean Festivals and Seminars
According to the prosecutor’s office, the organization is accused of orchestrating violent disturbances at Eritrean festivals held in Giessen in August 2022 and August 2023. They are also linked to unrest at a seminar hosted by an Eritrean association in Stuttgart during September 2023. These incidents resulted in injuries to numerous law enforcement officers, some of whom sustained serious harm.
Prosecutors further contend that certain members of the group deemed violence against German state institutions and police personnel as justifiable.
Extensive Police Operation Across Multiple States
Over 200 officers from federal and state police forces executed searches at 19 properties. These locations were spread across eight sites in Hesse, four in North Rhine-Westphalia, three in Bavaria, two in Baden-Württemberg, and one each in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Rhineland-Palatinate. Simultaneously, a related search operation was carried out in Denmark, as reported by dpa news agency. No arrests have been made thus far.
Dutch Court Sentences Suspect Linked to Brigade N’Hamedu
The prosecutor’s statement highlighted the recent sentencing by a Dutch court of an individual suspected of holding a prominent position within ‘Brigade N’Hamedu’ in both the Netherlands and Germany. This individual received a multi-year prison sentence for involvement in clashes that occurred in The Hague last February.
Privacy Rules Restrict Identification of Accused
In accordance with German privacy regulations, the prosecutor’s office has not disclosed the names of any of the accused individuals.
Eritrea’s Repressive Regime and Diaspora Protests
Eritrea is widely recognized as one of the world’s most authoritarian nations. Eritrean exiles have previously targeted festivals organized by Eritrea’s diaspora in Europe and North America in recent years.
Some Eritrean expatriates assert that the disturbances at these festivals represent protests against the government in their homeland. Allegations have also surfaced suggesting that proceeds generated from these festivals may be used to financially support the Eritrean government.
Eritrean Exodus and Migration to Europe
Over the years, hundreds of thousands of Eritreans have fled the country, with many embarking on perilous journeys through the deserts of Sudan and North Africa in attempts to reach Europe.