Police Probe Internet Spread of Right-wing Music

Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) announced on Wednesday that police officials had raided more than 330 apartments across the country on suspicion of distribution of right-wing extremist music. The BKA added that police are now investigating 342 suspects on charges of incitment. The suspects are believed to have offered music tracks containing virulently hate-filled messages over the popular file exchange network "KaZaA". The lyrics of the songs by German skinhead bands are reported to be inhuman, racist and to an extent, pro-Nazi. The suspects face up to three years in prison if the charges are confirmed. BKA President Jörg Ziercke said inciting hatred among people was no light offence. "Skinhead music groups transport negative political images and are the precursors for the spread of right-wing extremist ideas."