‘I fired the shot’: German neo-Nazi on trial over politician murder admits to killing
‘I fired the shot’: German neo-Nazi on trial over politician murder admits to killing
- Stephan Ernst, 46, was speaking during trial at court in Frankfurt earlier today
- Pro-refugee politician Walter Luebcke was shot in the head on June 1, 2019
- His death highlighted the growing threat of right-wing extremism in the country
Published: 05:58 EDT, 5 August 2020 | Updated: 06:13 EDT, 5 August 2020
A German neo-Nazi on trial over the murder of pro-refugee politician Walter Luebcke has admitted to the killing.
Stephan Ernst, 46, told the court in Frankfurt earlier today: ‘I fired the shot.’
Federal prosecutors have said Ernst was motivated by ‘racism and xenophobia’ when he shot Mr Luebcke in the head on June 1, 2019.
The death shocked the country and highlighted the growing threat of right-wing extremism.
Stephan Ernst, 46, (pictured) has admitted to killing pro-refugee politician Walter Luebcke during his trial earlier today
The killing of Mr Luebcke is believed to be Germany’s first far-right political assassination since World War II.
A spokesman for Luebcke’s family, Dirk Metz, had previously told reporters that ‘the family wants to send a clear signal against hatred and violence’ by taking part in the trial.
‘One cannot fall silent the face of such violence,’ he added.
The killing of Mr Luebcke (pictured in 2012) is believed to be Germany’s first far-right political assassination since World War II
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