Politician Murder: German neo-Nazi on trial admits to killing

A German neo-Nazi on trial over the murder of pro-refugee politician Walter Luebcke yesterday admitted to the killing that has shocked the nation and highlighted the growing threat of right-wing extremism.

"I fired the shot," Stephan Ernst, 46, told the court of the killing in a statement read out by his defence.

Federal prosecutors have said Ernst was motivated by "racism and xenophobia" when he allegedly shot Luebcke in the head on June 1, 2019.

Luebcke's killing is believed to be Germany's first far-right political assassination since World War II.

Apologising to the victim's family, Ernst said he had carried out a "cowardly and cruel" act.