According to a parliamentary question by the Left parliamentary group, more than 1,700 attacks on refugees and asylum seekers in Germany have been registered in 2019. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher. In the process, 229 people were injured. In 260 attacks on asylum seekers the perpetrators used explosives, set fires or used other weapons. According to the Ministry of the Interior, children were among the victims of the attacks.

The parliamentary question by the spokeswoman for internal affairs of the parliamentary group DIE LINKE, Ulla Jelpke, further reveals that in 128 cases asylum centres were attacked. Of these attacks, 118 were carried out by right-wing extremists. The total number of attacks on refugees and asylum seekers in 2019 thus amounts to more than 1,700. However, the federal government's figures do not yet include subsequent reports by the individual police departments.

Jelpke says: "The deadly danger posed by right-wing extremism and racism was demonstrated once again just a month ago in Hanau. Unfortunately it is part of the everyday life of many people in this country. There were more than 1700 right-wing crimes against refugees in Germany in 2019. This figure does not include the late registrations. Experience shows that the actual number will then rise again by well over 50 percent. The bottom line is that there will be an increase in such crimes again.

In 2018, the security authorities recorded a total of 173 attacks on asylum centres and 1,775 attacks on refugees outside the centres. Most of these acts were committed by right-wing extremists.

"Refugees could expect attacks at any time"

The Left Party MP referred to the racist social climate in Germany and stated: "We obviously have a social climate in Germany in which refugees can expect to be verbally and physically attacked at any time.

Only at the beginning of the week, the Council of Europe urged Germany to take more action against racism. A Cabinet committee against right-wing extremism is good, but it would be even better if the legislation were at last to provide lasting support for counselling and prevention projects for the victims of racism and against right-wing extremism. In addition, we must finally stop hindering anti-fascist commitment. I expect fast concrete suggestions and steps from this body."