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Everything you need to know about hate crimes against refugees and immediate police action in Germany
With the increasing number of refugees in Germany, hate crimes targeting them have also become more visible – from verbal abuse and threats to severe physical attacks. These acts are a serious threat to democratic values and aim to intimidate refugees and push them out of public life.
What are hate crimes against refugees?
Hate crimes against refugees include any hostile act directed at individuals or groups because:
they are refugees, or
they are perceived as belonging to a certain ethnic, religious or national group.
Examples include:
racist insults and slurs
written or online threats (e-mails, social media, messages)
physical attacks on refugees in public or private spaces
attacks on refugee accommodation and shelters
property damage, vandalism or arson at refugee housing
Legal framework
German Basic Law (Grundgesetz – GG)
Article 1 GG: Human dignity is inviolable.
Article 3 GG: Prohibits discrimination based on origin, race, religion and other characteristics.
German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch – StGB)
§ 130 StGB – Incitement to hatred (Volksverhetzung): Punishes public incitement to hatred or violence against specific groups, including refugees or foreigners.
§§ 223 ff. StGB – Bodily harm offenses: Punish simple and aggravated bodily injury.
Important:
If a crime is motivated by racism, xenophobia or hatred against refugees, this can lead to harsher sentencing.
Immediate police measures in case of an attack
1. Call the police immediately
Emergency number: 110
Provide as many details as possible:
exact location
number and description of attackers
presence of weapons or dangerous objects
whether anyone is injured
2. Secure the scene – your safety first
Move to a safe place if possible (e.g. into a shop, near other people).
Avoid direct confrontation with the attackers while the situation is dangerous.
Ask witnesses to stay until the police arrive.
3. File a criminal complaint (Strafanzeige)
After the incident, you should always file a formal criminal complaint:
you can do this at any police station
bring all available evidence:
photos, videos
threatening letters, messages, screenshots
medical reports in case of injuries
names and contact details of witnesses
The better the documentation, the higher the chances of successful prosecution.
4. Request immediate protection
If there is a continuing threat:
ask the police for protective measures, such as:
temporary relocation to a safe place
restraining orders, area bans or no-contact orders against the perpetrators
in refugee accommodation, also involve security staff or the management.
Legal and social support
Refugees and victims are not alone – several institutions can help:
Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes)
offers free initial legal counselling on racist and discriminatory incidents
Refugee and human rights organisations
e.g. Pro Asyl and local NGOs
support in legal matters, asylum questions and psychosocial care
Victim support and counselling centres
offer psychological support, trauma counselling and accompaniment to authorities and courts
Why reporting hate crimes is so important
Failing to report hate crimes means:
offenders feel safe and continue their attacks
the police underestimates the true scale of the problem
dangerous hotspots and structures remain invisible
By reporting and documenting incidents:
offenders are held accountable
the police can identify high-risk areas and respond effectively
trust in the rule of law is strengthened
other refugees are indirectly protected, as repeat attacks become more difficult
Governmental and civil society responses
To protect refugees and reduce hate crimes, Germany uses measures such as:
improved security concepts and additional protection for refugee accommodation
public awareness campaigns against racism and hate speech
long-term support for victims:
counselling
therapeutic services
integration and empowerment projects
Conclusion
Hate crimes against refugees are a direct attack on human dignity and the foundations of democracy in Germany. They are clearly forbidden by law and morally unacceptable.
If you are a victim or witness of such an incident:
Call the police (110).
Secure evidence and witnesses.
Use counselling and support services.
Your report protects not only you, but also others – and sends a clear message: Hatred and violence have no place in our society.
Key German terms
Volksverhetzung: Incitement to hatred
Grundgesetz (GG): German Basic Law / constitution
Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes: Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
Strafanzeige: Criminal complaint
Pro Asyl: NGO supporting refugees
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or uncertainties cannot be completely ruled out. The information in this article is intended as an initial guide; for binding and up-to-date details, please always consult the competent authorities.
