Extremism
Article Security
Extremist activities are those which oppose our democratic constitutional state and its fundamental values, norms and rules, and aim to overthrow the liberal democratic order and replace it with one in line with the ideas of the respective group.
Extremists often accept, promote and actually use violent means to achieve their goals. Activities which use or prepare to use violence to endanger foreign interests of the Federal Republic of Germany or the idea of international understanding, in particular peaceful co-existence, are also considered extremist.
Extremists oppose the basic and human rights described in the Basic Law, such as the right of free expression. They also oppose fundamental principles of democracy, such as the sovereignty of the people and the independence of the courts. Unlike extremists, radical groups want to “get at the root” (radix = Latin for root) of social problems and conflicts without harming the democratic order or rule of law.