New figures have emerged in the ongoing scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct, right-wing extremism, and drug abuse within a German paratrooper unit stationed in Zweibrücken, Rhineland-Palatinate. According to a report by ARD’s Berlin studio on Thursday, citing an Army spokesperson, a total of 59 individuals are currently under investigation.
Of the 21 dismissal proceedings that were initiated, 16 have already been carried out, while the remaining cases are still under review. Additionally, 19 cases have been referred to the public prosecutor’s office, and disciplinary measures have been imposed in 18 instances.
The incidents first came to light at the end of December after female soldiers from Paratrooper Regiment 26 in Zweibrücken reported the allegations to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces. According to the German Army, the accusations involve sexualized misconduct, extremist behavior, and violations of the Narcotics Act.
A preliminary internal report by the Army is currently being prepared. "We take the allegations against members of Paratrooper Regiment 26 very seriously," the Army spokesperson was quoted as saying by ARD.
Earlier this week, Army Chief Christian Freuding visited the regiment to hold discussions with commanding officers on site. The German Defense Ministry has announced that another meeting will take place later this month to determine further steps in addressing the situation.
Beyond personnel-related consequences, the Bundeswehr has begun implementing organizational changes in response to the scandal. Measures include strengthening oversight mechanisms, with the aim of initiating a broader shift in leadership culture within the unit. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) strongly condemned the events during a visit to Bundeswehr personnel in Koblenz earlier this month.
"Incidents like these are not acceptable and will not be tolerated," said Pistorius. He described the incidents in Zweibrücken as "deeply shocking" and emphasized: "We are consistently pursuing every case" and "every case that is substantiated will lead to appropriately severe consequences."
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