Germany's security services rocked by right-wing extremism scandal

Germany's security services have become embroiled in a scandal after it was revealed that Hans-Georg Maassen, the man previously in charge of rooting out violent extremists, is being monitored under suspicion of posing the same threat.

Maassen was previously the head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) but is now under investigation for right-wing extremism. Maassen has confirmed the news on his social media pages after it was revealed by press investigations in Germany.

Maassen was dismissed as domestic security supremo in 2018 after he was accused of going soft on the threat posed by right-wing extremists who were rioting in the east German city of Chemnitz.

Since then, he has courted the more fringe right-wing elements of German political discourse. His hardline stance on immigration had made him a poster boy for the far-right Reichsburger movement, including those who are awaiting trial for an attempted coup in 2022.

Maassen launched his own political party called the Values Union last month, which he hopes to attract those disillusioned by the current state of German politics.

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The BfV has declined to comment on the leaks that they are investigating their former boss, citing privacy rights. However, Maassen has posted freedom of information requests by his lawyer, showing that his name is featured in BfV databases tracking extremists.

German parliamentarians are now seeking an investigation and public inquiry into the man who was, for all intents and purposes, Germany's chief Neo-Nazi catcher.

Martina Renner from the Left Party said. "Following the latest developments regarding the former President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Hans Georg Maassen, a parliamentary investigative committee in the Bundestag must examine his activities during his time of service."

This bombshell comes at a  tense time in German politics. The far-right opposition AFD party has soared in the polls, while at the same time courting outrage over secret meetings with extremists where mass deportations of foreigners were discussed. 

Over one million people marched against the far right in German cities last month and large protests are set for this weekend as well.

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