Three neo-Nazi youths tried to burn down a synagogue in the eastern German city of Erfurt on Adolf Hitler's birthday to show their hatred of Jews, a court heard Tuesday.
"We wanted the synagogue to burn," one of the three, Andreas J., 18, said when their trial opened amid strict security. One of his co-accused, Carsten H., 17, also admitted his guilt at the hearing.
Their act on the night of April 20 caused shock and outrage across Germany.
It was the first such attack on a synagogue in Germany since 1995, although anti-Semitic acts have been common in the east of the country since reunification in 1990.
The case has been handled by the federal prosecutor's office which deals with the most serious crimes in Germany.
The identities of the three have been witheld because they are considered minors. But the prosecution said the three had wanted to make a show of extreme rightwing violence and hate against Jews on Hitler's birthday.
The birthday of the Nazi dictator in 1889 is notoriously celebrated by Nazi nostalgics and contemporary Nazi sympathisers.
As the three appeared in the court at Gera, members of a Thuringia "Alliance against the Right" demonstrated outside.
A second gathering, by an extreme-right "Gera Comradeship", was broken up by police and seven members arrested.
The trial hearing was closed to all but family members and journalists.
Andreas J. and Carsten H., 17, are accused of attempted arson and violation of the arms control law.
David K., 18, who drove them to the scene but denies being part of their plans, is charged with complicity. He admits going there with them but maintains he was unaware of their intentions.
They were arrested a few days after molotov cocktail firebombs were thrown at the building in Erfurt in the Thuringia region on the night of April 20.
The flames were seen by neighbours and quickly extinguished before causing any serious damage.
According to their own statements, Andreas J. and Carsten H. had planned the attack over several days.
They purchasing petrol (gasoline) for the firebombs from a service station, and also used beer-bottles, rags and firelighters to make the bombs.
All three are said to have frequented extreme rightwing circles.
According to the investigation, they belonged to a splinter group of the neo-Nazi National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) called the Band of German Patriots.
Andreas J., who possessed an NPD membership card, is said to have left his fingerprints on a letter claiming responsibility for the attack.
The two principal accused had already been sentenced last year to do community service for displaying Nazi insignia banned by the German constitution.
Andreas J. also has a previous conviction for assault causing serious bodily harm.
A verdict is expected Thursday -- GERA, Germany (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
