German Teens Investigated for Assault on MEP .

By Caroline Ameh

The assault on Matthias Ecke, a Social Democrat MEP, by four German teenagers has ignited a nationwide conversation about the safety of public figures in Germany.

Matthias Ecke, 41, was brutally attacked while putting up campaign posters in Dresden, sustaining serious injuries including a broken cheekbone and eye socket.
German police have identified all four suspects in the attack on SPD politician Matthias Ecke, Dresden authorities said on Monday.

One of the suspects turned himself in on Sunday, the other three were detained later.

Kay Anders, Chief Inspector for the Dresden State Office of Criminal Investigation said after the first suspect turned himself in, police searched two flats, where two other suspects were also arrested. During the course of the evening, police also identified the fourth suspect.

All the suspects are young men aged between 17 and 18.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, although reports suggest alcohol may have been a factor.

The incident has garnered condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum, who are calling for enhanced security measures and stricter penalties for perpetrators.

Nancy Faeser, the federal interior minister, attributed the surge in political violence to extremist rhetoric, particularly from the far-right.

Markus Söder, leader of Bavaria’s Christian Social Union, pointed fingers at the far-right populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), accusing them of contributing to a hostile political climate. Saskia Esken, co-chair of the Social Democrats, echoed these sentiments, urging society to confront and condemn extremist ideologies.

In response, Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, denounced attempts to politicize the attack, asserting that AfD members also face threats and violence.

Solidarity rallies held in Dresden and Berlin emphasized the resilience of German democracy against intimidation and hatred, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to defending its values.