Right-wing extremists often bring their ideas to public attention. They attach particular importance to using certain signs and symbols as well as to wearing clothes typical of the scene. The presentation and use of a number of such signs and symbols has been made a punishable offence by legislature. The regulations under sections 86, 86a of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch/StGB) are relevant in this context. These regulations will be elaborated on in chapter 1 of this brochure.

Generally, it has to be taken into account that not all the said signs and symbols have been created by the historic National Socialists or have “exclusively” been used by right-wing extremists. Some signs have only been adapted and may therefore well be innocuous and exempt from punishment in their original context. The runic characters, for instance, used by National Socialists, actually are of Germanic origin. Later, the National Socialists deliberately instrumentalised some of them for their own rightwing extremist symbolism, such as the runic insignia or the “odal rune”.

Individuals who do not belong to the scene often have difficulty in judging whether a certain piece of clothing and the symbols depicted on it are not only an expression of the wearer’s ideas but whether also a statutory offence is constituted. Symbols will be described that fall within the scope of sections 86 and 86a of the Criminal Code as well as clothes and badges the use of which does not constitute a statutory offence but which nonetheless clearly indicate the wearer’s right-wing extremist views.

Many right-wing extremists regard the fact that people remain silent and look away as approval and therefore feel challenged to direct further and often serious attacks against socially underprivileged and minority groups. Hence, in order to effectively counter right-wing extremism, the people’s attention and commitment is required. To this end, information and background knowledge are imperative, which this brochure wants to contribute to.

From the contents:

• Statutory regulations
• Organisations banned pursuant to section 3 of the Act on Associations
• Individual decisions based on sections 86, 86a of the Criminal Code and section 20 of the Act on Associations
• Signs of former National Socialist organisations (a selection)
• General identification features of right-wing extremists
• Online distribution of signs and symbols typical of the scene
• Closing remarks