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Government Data Show Sharp Rise in Crimes Targeting Journalists in Germany

Berlin has become the main hotspot, with many cases linked to demonstrations.

Overview

  • Federal police recorded 818 politically motivated crimes against media between April 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025, including 89 violent offences.
  • The rate averaged about 41 cases per month, roughly 71% higher than the 24 per month logged in 2023.
  • Nearly half of all cases occurred in Berlin (406), which also recorded 51 of the violent offences; Saxony followed with 82, Bavaria 64 and North Rhine-Westphalia 55.
  • Authorities tied 211 incidents to demonstrations, including 73 violent crimes, and logged a rise in internet-based offences from 217 in 2024 to 333 in 2025.
  • The government said journalist safety is a priority and plans to strengthen protections, as press-freedom group RSF verified 55 attacks in 2025 and opposition lawmaker David Schliesing urged urgent action.