German police raid Marxist-Leninist group Kollektiv Zwickau

German authorities have conducted large-scale police operations targeting Kollektiv Zwickau, a Marxist-Leninist group based in Saxony. Raids took place in several cities, including Zwickau, Dresden, Leipzig, Saalfeld, Bremen, and Hamburg.

Twelve men are suspected of involvement in violent activities, including serious assault, robbery, and aggravated public violence. Prosecutors allege the group has repeatedly used weapons such as clubs and pepper spray to attack political opponents. The investigation is being led by the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office and the Saxon police's department for combating terrorism and extremism, with involvement from the special unit Soko LinX.

The group has been under surveillance by German domestic intelligence for several years. Authorities describe the organization as a communist movement aiming to establish a revolutionary party to replace the existing parliamentary democracy. Kollektiv Zwickau is part of the Rote Jugend Deutschland network and focuses on recruiting young adults.