The German government has condemned what it described as “unacceptable” conduct within a paratrooper regiment after numerous soldiers were placed under investigation for violence, extremist behavior, and other serious offenses.
The investigations concern Paratrooper Regiment 26, based in Zweibrücken in southwestern Germany near the French border. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the case began after two female soldiers filed reports in June. Since then, several dozen paratroopers have been implicated, including in far-right and antisemitic incidents as well as so‑called violent rituals. Around twenty soldiers have already been dismissed.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have resulted in multiple suspensions and removals, and that the regiment’s commanding officer has been replaced. Government spokesperson Kenneth Harms stressed that “right‑wing extremism and inappropriate sexual behavior are not tolerated within the Bundeswehr,” calling the reported acts “unacceptable.” He also noted that the alleged conduct represented a “serious violation of personal rights” and had the potential to damage the reputation of Germany’s armed forces as a whole.
In late November, the Zweibrücken public prosecutor’s office stated that it had received 19 complaints from military authorities and disciplinary bodies against enlisted soldiers and non‑commissioned officers. Police investigations are examining potential violations of narcotics and personal cannabis laws, as well as incitement to hatred and the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations, a term associated with neo‑Nazi movements.
Prosecutors confirmed on Monday that the investigations are still ongoing and that no new complaints have been filed in the meantime. The case revives memories of a 2020 scandal, when part of Germany’s elite special forces unit was dissolved after around twenty members were suspected of belonging to neo‑Nazi networks.
