Online Hate Crimes Surpass 50% of All Recorded Cases in Germany
The Berlin prosecutor's office reports a sharp rise in hate crimes, driven by online discourse and political tensions in 2024.
- Germany recorded 7,186 hate crime cases in 2024, a 21% increase from 2023's 5,931 cases.
- For the first time, over half of these crimes (4,003 cases) originated online, reflecting intensified hostility on social media platforms.
- Political and social tensions, including the Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict, contributed to the rise in hate-related incidents.
- Authorities observed greater public willingness to report hate crimes, with more individuals and organizations flagging potential offenses.
- The Central Office for Hate Crimes identified 4,111 named suspects in 2024, continuing its efforts to combat racism and antisemitism since its establishment in 2020.