In any society there are groups or persons who, to various degrees, are willing to use extreme and undemocratic methods to reach political, ideological or religious goals. These groups or persons may use force, in terms of violence, vandalism, threats or any other disturbance to public order in order to attempt to influence public political issues. Investigations in this field are carried out in accordance with Section 114c or Section 114d of the Danish Penal Code.

An example of such extremism is the assassination of Dutch right-wing politician Pim Fortuyn on 6 May 2002 by an 18-year old animal activist, presumably to prevent the politician from being elected in connection with the approaching Dutch parliamentary elections. In the USA there are a number of examples of militant and extreme activities in connection with the debate on legal abortion, where abortion clinics have been blown up.

Traditionally, the left- and right-wing extremist circles have been targets of PET’s interest. Particularly within the past few years, groups or individuals have become increasingly willing to use extreme and undemocratic methods when promoting single-issues such as the politically/ideologically motivated activities carried out by groups and individuals from a foreign background.

Traditionally, the left-wing extremist circles have been represented by several groups who fight for their own “key issues”. They share, however, the same fundamental ideology: an opposition to capitalism and globalisation which views certain government institutions and private enterprises as symbols of power and money.

Although such groups appear autonomous and anarchist, it is clear that they are organised and have a structure enabling them to join together on specific key issues. At the same time, these groups are good at co-operating on the international scene, e.g. in connection with anti-globalisation. The left-wing extremist movements fighting for various key issues have succeeded in organising and mobilising internationally in a way that, in the past few years, has led to widespread disturbances in European as well as American cities.

Another example of international co-operation among left-wing extremist groups is the anti-Nazi demonstrations in Europe, which have resulted in violent confrontation between right- and left-wing extremist demonstrators with serious consequences for public disorder. In Denmark as well as abroad militant animal activists originating from left-wing extremist circles have committed gross acts of vandalism. In this respect an international co-operation has also been found.

Right-wing extremist circles in Denmark also consist of several groups and movements. These have very different structures and organisations: some have statutes and manifestos while others are more disorganised. The groups, however, collaborate in spreading and promoting very racist messages; likewise there is an element of systematic intimidation of persons who work towards integration and tolerance. The activities of these groups may contribute towards an increased polarisation that again may lead to an increased risk of disturbances on the national scene.

Several of the groups have their own websites and they have attempted to establish themselves as political parties. The common ground for these movements is a co-operation with like-minded people abroad involving the active participation in each others’ activities like meetings, demonstrations and White Power concerts, as well as the annual Rudolf Hess March, which was held in Denmark for several years. In 2002 it took place in Wunsiedel, Germany.

Some years ago, a Danish Neo-Nazi from a group affiliated with the very violent British Combat 18 movement was convicted of constructing three letter-bombs and attempting to send them to three persons in England, presumably for racist reasons. The arrest of the Danish Neo-Nazi was as a result of PET’s investigation and co-operation with foreign police authorities.

The above are thus examples of persons and groups from the left- and right-wing extremist circles as well as single-issue extremists which have been the subject of PET investigations in the field of extremism.