Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Germany tightens 'right of association' laws

In Germany, colours, badges or insignia at the club houses are now taboo. The Hells Angels, Bandidos and Mongols are affected. The ban is another milestone in the fight against Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. Anyone who continues to show the forbidden club logos in public risks a penalty of up to one year for each offense. On the social networks and also on various club homepages the bikers have already removed their insignia.

The affected clubs do not want to accept the law. "About 9000 bikers are to be awarded by law of organized crime," the Hells Angels, Bandidos and Gremium write in a joint statement. "We will take all legal steps to bring down this law".

The Hells Angels have repeatedly joined the Mongols in the past. Meanwhile, both clubs have become quiet. Other groups such as the Ottomans Germania and Bloody Warrior now look for attention.
The Ottomans Germania established themselves at the end of 2014 and already count in Germany more than 20 local associations and around 2500 members. They call themselves a boxing club, but the police say the Ottomans Germania have close links to organized crime.

"It is not about boxing, it is about territorial claims, it is about power"