Arrest of Suspects in Germany
German police have arrested two individuals accused of being part of a group that has been linked to violence at Eritrean community festivals in western Germany. The two individuals, one an Eritrean citizen and the other a German citizen, have been charged with membership in a domestic terrorist organization and are to be presented to an investigative judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe to decide on their temporary detention.
Objectives and Activities of the Group
The Federal Prosecutor's Office of Germany has stated that the declared aim of the group "Bergid Nahmdo Germany" is to overthrow the autocratic government of Eritrea. This group is accused of committing violence at events recognized as supporters of the Eritrean government, particularly in the city of Gießen during the summers of 2022 and 2023, as well as at a seminar held by an Eritrean association in Stuttgart in September 2023.
According to the prosecutor's office, members of this organization have regarded violence against German state institutions and government representatives, particularly police officers deployed to protect these events, as a legitimate means.
Social and Human Context of Eritrea
Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa with a population of about 4 million, is known for systematic repression, violence, and denial of basic human rights. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, report that the autocratic government of Isaias Afwerki suppresses the population through forced labor, mandatory military service, and restrictions on freedom of expression, religion, and the press.
Reports also include widespread massacres, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence by security forces. The government, which is a one-party state and does not hold elections, considers these accusations to be politically motivated.
Role of the Arrested Individuals
The two arrested men are recognized as having key roles in the structures of the "Bergid Nahmdo Germany" group and in organizing violent actions. The Eritrean individual reportedly served as the secretary-general of this group for a period, while the German man was the group's first leader.
In connection with the investigation into this group, German police conducted inspections in March 2025 at 19 properties across the country in collaboration with Danish police forces. At that time, 200 officers from the Federal Criminal Police Office and state police forces were deployed, but no arrests were made.
