Neo-Nazis undergo 'fashion makeover'

Radical right-wing activists give up shaved heads, tattoos, military boots for inconspicuous, mainstream look, making it harder for authorities to identify them, states report issued by Germany

Ynet|Published: 07.02.11 , 10:31

Shaved heads and army boots – out; Innocent, trendy look – in. A report published over the weekend by Germany's Interior Ministry and General Security Services reveals the new "fashion trends" of neo-Nazis and warns that a growing number of extreme right-wing activists opt to abandon their traditional look in favor of a more inconspicuous style – making it harder for authorities to identify them.

"The fact that nationalistic groups stop wearing distinguishable clothing and accessories makes the identification process much harder.

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"The traditional neo-Nazi look has become outdated. Radical rightists prefer donning the latest fashion trends, which conceal their extreme political views," the report, published by German newspaper Der Speigel, read.

Neo-Nazi protest in Germany (Archive photo: AFP)

According to the findings, out of some 25,000 German extremist from both the Left and Right political spectrum, a sharp increase in the number of neo-Nazis has been recorded in 2010, rising from 5,000 to 5,600.

Despite the alarming figure, the report also notes that a 14.5% drop in the number of neo-Nazi-related crimes was recorded during the same year.

The report also addressed the rise in the number of terror threats by radical Islamist groups, stating that "Germany has remained a target for Islamic terror groups; the vast amount of intelligence on potential attacks proves German interests are threatened both at home and abroad."

Data shows there are 29 Islamic organizations operating in Germany, with a total of some 37,000 activists.