Neo-Nazi Influence In Elite Frankfurt Police Unit

UNCLAS FRANKFURT 001315 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/AGS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ASEC SCUL GM SUBJECT: Neo-Nazi Influence In Elite Frankfurt Police Unit Sensitive but unclassified; not for internet distribution. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Media revealed this week that at least three members of an elite Frankfurt-based police unit that provides close personal protection to public figures (among them Jewish leaders and CG Frankfurt) had neo-Nazi affiliations. ConGen Frankfurt was told the allegations first emerged in the course of a fraud investigation in late 2005, at which time all implicated persons were suspended or reassigned. Opposition leaders and Jewish representatives criticized the state for withholding its findings and not prosecuting (or firing) all those implicated in the sensational case. END SUMMARY. Investigations Ongoing -------------- ¶2. (U) According to media reports confirmed by official sources, Frankfurt prosecutors have investigated three "protective division" (bodyguard) personnel (ages 26, 32, and 43) for neo-Nazi affiliations. In the most sensational case -- a 26-year-old officer who had distributed a photo of himself in an "pseudo-SS" uniform (a jacket with SS insignia) and used other Nazi/neo-Nazi symbols -- prosecutors dropped charges on the grounds that questionable materials were shown to a limited group of people (his colleagues) and not distributed widely as propaganda (a criminal offense). Investigators also found far-right music files on his private computer. He remains on suspension. The 32-year-old acted as an accomplice to the "SS" photo but investigators say they found little other evidence. An investigation is also ongoing against a 43-year-old officer whose computer contained the banned "Horst Wessel Song" (SS marching song). NOTE: Police representatives told RSO they removed all officers involved from protective duty regardless of charges and disposition. END NOTE. ¶3. (U) The case is sensational as well since the three policemen implicated in neo-Nazi activities served as bodyguards to Michel Friedman, former deputy head of Germany's Jewish community (and a prominent public figure). Friedman expressed shock at the case, reflecting that it shows far-right influence can pervade all walks of German life and criticizing state authorities for not acting more quickly and openly. Political Reactions -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Opposition representatives attacked Hessen Interior Minister Volker Bouffier (CDU/Christian Democrats) for knowing about the case for months and not informing the public -(nor apparently those affected such as Mr. Friedman). SPD and Greens state spokepersons called on Bouffier to resign or to identify those responsible for the case, pointing to other scandals within the ministry. National Greens party head Claudia Roth called on Bouffier to take respnsibility for the affair and warned of a "massiv problem of growing right-wing extremism and anti-emitism" in Germany. Jewish community members aso voiced criticism over the case. Critics particularly want to know any signs of broader far-rigt influence in the Frankfurt police. COMMENT -------------- ¶5. (SBU) A close ally of Hesse Minister-resident Roland Koch (CDU), Bouffier has shown n signs of considering resignation and is likely to argue that investigators were diligent in the cas. Nonetheless, the case is highly embarrassing or authorities. A larger question is how elite embers of the Frankfurt police felt comfortable haring neo-Nazi sentiments with their colleagues. ¶6. (U) This cable was coordinated with Embassy Belin. POWELL