German neo-Nazis face terror trial over refugee attacks

Eight members of a German neo-Nazi group are put on trial over terrorism charges, accused of a series of attacks against refugees and political opponents.

The so-called “Freital group” — named after the members’ hometown outside Dresden, the capital of the eastern state of Saxony — consists of seven men, aged 19 to 39, and a 28-year-old woman.

Prosecutors say they staged five attacks with explosives between July and November 2015 targeting refugee housing and left-wing groups, causing two injuries.

Charges against them include creating a terrorist group, attempted murder and grievous bodily harm.

“They wanted to create a climate of fear and repression,” federal prosecutors said last November as they prepared the case.

— AFP