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Henrik Merker

Leipzig, Germany
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About Henrik
Henrik Merker is a journalist based in Leipzig, Germany. Specialized on political extremism, investigative journalism, fact checking and fixing.
Languages
German English French
Services
Investigative Journalism Fixing Journalism
+1
Skills
Politics Investigative Reporting Fact Checking
Portfolio

Illegal information stand: Identitarian Movement in Halle (Saale): Police dissolve unauthorized information stand

04 Oct 2023  |  www.mz.de
In Halle (Saale), the far-right Identitarian Movement faced police intervention for setting up an unauthorized information stand. The stand, located near their house at Steintorcampus, was quickly dismantled following police orders. The incident drew protests from around 20 students. Authorities are now investigating potential violations of assembly laws.

Phishing attack on employees: Uni Halle fights with fraud scheme in emails

01 Oct 2023  |  www.mz.de
Employees at the University of Halle report numerous emails with fake senders requesting money transfers. The emails appear to come from trusted sources like professors and colleagues, exploiting their reputations. The university's IT center (ITZ) clarifies that these emails are not sent from their servers and are difficult to filter due to perfectly forged sender addresses. The ITZ believes the university was randomly targeted and notes that no known money transfers have occurred. The university receives around 120,000 emails daily, and the ITZ remains confident in their updated systems against large-scale cyber-attacks like 'Wannacry' and 'Petya'.

Commemoration of Jörg Danek: Commemoration of Jörg Danek in Halle-Neustadt: 18 years ago the mentally disabled man was murdered

01 Oct 2023  |  www.mz.de
Jörg Danek, a mentally disabled man, was brutally murdered 18 years ago in Halle-Neustadt. Initially not classified as a right-wing motivated crime, it was only in 2012 that his murder was recognized as such. Commemorative efforts led by the 'Offenes Antifa-Plenum' aim to honor his memory and raise awareness about his story. The article highlights the brutal nature of the crime, the background of the perpetrators, and the ongoing efforts to ensure Danek's story is remembered.

AfD: Staging Against the Left

01 Aug 2022  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
Jan Wenzel Schmidt, an AfD politician, staged visits to areas in Berlin and Leipzig, claiming them to be hubs of left-wing extremism. His actions, including posing in front of anti-fascist symbols and thanking police for security, were criticized as transparent political maneuvers. Local residents and police refuted his claims, emphasizing the presence of law enforcement and the peaceful nature of the areas. The article highlights the ongoing tension between right-wing politicians and left-wing communities, with concerns about the potential for increased right-wing extremist focus on these areas.

Halle an der Saale: No Penalties After Alleged Right-Wing Attack

22 Jul 2022  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
In Halle, Germany, four members of the Identitäre Bewegung were acquitted of charges related to a violent attack in 2019 due to insufficient evidence and potential self-defense claims. The trial, presided over by Judge Kathleen Aschmann, faced criticism for perceived bias and mishandling, with defense lawyers aggressively challenging the credibility of the victims. The case highlighted ongoing issues with right-wing extremism and the judicial system's response to such incidents.

Right-Wing Extremism: Activism Instead of Journalism

01 Jul 2022  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
AUF1, a right-wing media platform, is criticized for spreading conspiracy theories and propaganda, particularly targeting the German-speaking audience. The platform, led by Stefan Magnet, is linked to various right-wing extremist groups and individuals, including the neo-Nazi scene and the Querdenken movement. AUF1 fills the gap left by the banned Russian channel RT in Germany, promoting anti-COVID-19 measures and pro-Russian propaganda. The article highlights the involvement of non-journalists in AUF1's operations and its commercial activities, including selling conspiracy-related merchandise.

Corona Protests in Saxony: Nasty and Dangerous

30 Dec 2021  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
Protests against COVID-19 policies in Germany, particularly in Saxony, have remained mostly peaceful but have raised significant concerns among security authorities. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution is monitoring around 600 Telegram channels used by anti-vaccine and COVID-19 denial groups, noting an increase in radical and violent rhetoric. The situation remains tense, especially with the potential introduction of a general vaccination mandate by the Bundestag early next year.

On the back of resounding paedophilia scandals, the German Catholic church is going through a revolution that is unprecedented in Europe. This revolution started in Cologne in Germany. job: fixer, second camera & translator

The discussion about the general vaccination obligation leads to an even stronger radicalization of the corona denier scene, which calls for violence, especially in chats on the messenger service Telegram. job: co-author, investigative research, camera

Murder Plans Against Michael Kretschmer: Who Are the Dresden Residents Around Daniel G.?

15 Dec 2021  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
Six individuals, including five men and one woman, are suspected of planning the assassination of Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer and other state politicians. The suspects, aged between 32 and 64, were active in a Telegram chat group of radicalized anti-vaccine opponents. The group, led by Daniel G., was found to possess weapons and discussed violent actions against vaccination teams. The police conducted raids in Dresden and Heidenau, uncovering weapons and Nazi propaganda. The investigation continues to determine the extent of the group's plans and the involvement of its members.

Nemi El-Hassan: 'Really stuffed into the throat'

22 Sep 2021  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
The WDR has suspended its collaboration with journalist and physician Nemi El-Hassan due to serious allegations of antisemitism and proximity to Islamism. El-Hassan will not host the science show Quarks until a thorough examination of the accusations is complete.

Linksradikale Demonstration: Steinwürfe, brennende Barrikaden und eine Drohung

18 Sep 2021  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
A large left-wing demonstration in Leipzig, organized by the alliance 'Wir sind alle Antifaschist:innen – Wir sind alle LinX', saw 3,000 to 4,000 participants protesting against the trial of Lina E. and others accused of violent attacks. The protest, which called for the denazification of German security agencies, escalated into violence with stone-throwing, burning barricades, and threats against the head of the Soko Linx investigation team. The police responded with a significant presence, including water cannons and a helicopter. Politicians from various left-wing parties attended, and the event concluded with mixed reactions to the police's handling of the situation.

Berlin Police Cannot Recognize Real Press Pass

08 Oct 2020  |  uebermedien.de
In Berlin, political activists and right-wing media figures have been using fake press credentials to bypass police barriers at demonstrations. The article highlights instances where individuals like Matthäus Westfal and Nicolai Nerling, who have extremist affiliations, falsely claimed to be journalists. Despite the reintroduction of a standardized press pass in 2018, the Berlin police have struggled to differentiate between legitimate journalists and demonstrators. This has led to confrontations and the police's failure to recognize official press passes. Journalist associations and experts have repeatedly warned about the intimidation of journalists by right-wing activists. The article also discusses the challenges faced by journalists covering protests and the need for clear distinctions between journalists and activists.

Left-wing Violence: The Battle for Connewitz

01 Mar 2020  |  zeit.de
The ongoing conflict between radical leftists and the police in Leipzig can be symbolized by the fluctuating presence of a graffiti at Connewitz Kreuz, which alternated between displaying 'Antifa Area' and 'No Cops' and being painted over by city administration and police. This back-and-forth continued until sometime in 2019 when the graffiti remained untouched.

How the NPD Keeps the Dresden Victim Myth Alive

16 Feb 2020  |  Störungsmelder
A far-right NPD politician organized a march in Dresden to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the city's WWII bombing, aiming to perpetuate a victim myth. The event drew 1,200 right-wing extremists, including members of NPD, Die Rechte, Pegida, and unaffiliated neo-Nazis. Maik Müller, a key figure in the far-right scene, led the march, using the rebuilt Frauenkirche as a symbol of their narrative. The event faced significant opposition, with 2,000 counter-protesters and a separate commemoration led by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The article criticizes the far-right's historical revisionism and the controversial inclusion of Nazi perpetrators in a memorial ceremony.

How Neo-Nazis Threaten Critical Journalists

11 Dec 2019  |  Störungsmelder
Neo-Nazis in Germany are increasingly targeting journalists who report on their activities, using threats, intimidation, and violence to silence critical voices. Journalists like David Janzen, Jonas Miller, Jens Eumann, and Henrik Merker share their harrowing experiences of being threatened, attacked, and harassed by right-wing extremists. Despite the dangers, these journalists remain committed to their work, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of such threats. The article highlights the broader issue of far-right extremism and its impact on press freedom in Germany.

Halle Attacker: He Planned His Acts Like Video Games

10 Oct 2019  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
Stephan B., the Halle attacker, failed in his attempt to breach the synagogue's doors and subsequently killed two people. Unlike typical right-wing extremists, he had no known connections to the scene and was not on security radars. He radicalized online, planning his actions like a video game, and was influenced by previous mass shooters like Anders Behring Breivik. Federal Prosecutor Peter Frank classified the act as terrorism driven by antisemitism and racism.

Mordfall Lübcke: The Alleged Helper of Stephan E.

27 Jun 2019  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
Markus H., a 43-year-old neo-Nazi, is under investigation for aiding Stephan E., the confessed murderer of Kassel's regional president Walter Lübcke. The prosecution alleges that Markus H. facilitated contact with a weapons dealer, Elmar J. Despite no concrete evidence of their knowledge of the murder plans, Markus H. has a history of selling firearms and has been linked to far-right activities and previous criminal investigations. The article highlights the connections and backgrounds of the individuals involved, including past incidents and affiliations with extremist groups.

Refugees in Germany: What are you doing today?

01 Jun 2019  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
In November 2015, a gymnasium in East Berlin became a temporary home for refugees from 14 countries, ranging from students to illiterates, IT specialists to craftsmen, and addicts. The article explores their living conditions and the duration of their stay, highlighting the challenges and experiences of integration in Germany.

Right-Wing Extremism: Nazis Propagate Dresden Victim Myth

16 Feb 2019  |  Störungsmelder
Right-wing extremists, including members of Pegida and the AfD, gathered in Dresden to propagate a revisionist narrative of the Allied bombings during World War II, falsely inflating victim numbers and using terms like 'Bombenterror.' The event, organized by Maik Müller, saw participation from extremists across Europe. The article highlights the involvement of figures like Katja Kaiser and Nikolai Nerling, and criticizes the AfD for adopting similar rhetoric. Counter-protests occurred, with police intervening harshly. The narrative is framed as a dangerous distortion of history, with negative sentiment towards the involved right-wing groups and individuals.

IS Returnees: What to Do with the Terror Helpers?

01 Feb 2019  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
Thousands of former IS members are detained in Kurdish camps in northern Syria, sparking a debate after US President Donald Trump urged European countries to repatriate and prosecute them. The situation is complex, with estimates of up to 1,100 IS fighters and 2,000 women and children held by Kurdish militias and the Syrian opposition, including around 120 Germans. European countries face legal and practical challenges in repatriating these individuals, with concerns about their potential threat and the lack of consular access. Some countries, like France and the UK, oppose repatriation, preferring local prosecution. Experts suggest deradicalization efforts in Europe, but emphasize the need for long-term strategies and social integration.

Data Theft: The Long Unnoticed Series of Crimes

07 Jan 2019  |  ZEIT ONLINE ze.tt
A significant data breach has occurred in Germany, affecting politicians, journalists, and YouTube stars, with private documents being leaked online. The scale of the data released is unprecedented, with over a thousand names involved. Investigations are ongoing, led by the Generalstaatsanwaltschaft in Frankfurt am Main and the Bundeskriminalamt, with at least one search conducted. Jan S. from Heilbronn is considered a witness, not a suspect. The breach has left many victims feeling vulnerable and exposed to future threats.

Data Theft: What We Know About the Data Leak and Its Originator

01 Jan 2019  |  ZEIT ONLINE
Personal data and documents from hundreds of German politicians, musicians, and journalists were leaked online. The leak targeted members of the Bundestag, particularly from the Green Party and CDU/CSU, and included private communications, financial documents, and personal photos. The Twitter account @_0rbit, linked to the leak, was suspended. The data, posted as an 'Advent calendar' in December 2018, may have been obtained through social engineering. Authorities are investigating, and there are calls for stronger cybersecurity measures and data protection laws.

Leipzig: They say they reject violence - actually

31 Aug 2018  |  ZEIT ONLINE
The article by Henrik Merker discusses various instances of right-wing extremism and political demonstrations in Leipzig and other parts of Germany. It highlights the presence of violence, the role of the police, and the involvement of right-wing groups such as the AfD, Identitarian Movement, and NPD. The text also touches upon the actions of individuals like Jan Wenzel Schmidt and the controversies surrounding public figures such as Nemi El-Hassan and Lisa Licentia. The sentiment towards these groups and individuals is generally neutral to negative, with a focus on the negative impact of right-wing extremism.

Big Plans: Lantern Festival 2017 in Halle (Saale): Bridge Jumping Even More Spectacular Next Year?

28 Aug 2017  |  www.mz.de
Twelve brave athletes participated in the bridge jumping event at the Lantern Festival in Halle (Saale), organized by 2004 Olympic silver medalist Andreas Wels. The event featured jumps from heights of 15, 18, and 20 meters, with meticulous planning and safety measures in place. Wels aims to make the event even more spectacular in the coming years, possibly including night jumps under floodlights. The tradition of water jumping in Halle dates back to the Halloren, with historical records of their jumps.

Spanish Retro-Chic in 'Taparazzi': Halle has a Tapas Restaurant Again

02 Jul 2017  |  www.mz.de
Lars Klemm, an experienced restaurateur, has opened a new tapas restaurant called 'Taparazzi' in Halle, Germany. The restaurant aims to revolutionize the local dining scene with a modern interpretation of tapas, focusing on small, combinable portions made from regional ingredients. Chef Tobias Pohlmann emphasizes fresh preparation and a diverse menu that includes vegan and vegetarian options. The establishment features a retro-chic design, a cigar lounge, and plans for future events like dinner shows and music events. The goal is to create a place where culture, food, and laughter come together, leaving guests in a good mood.
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