Varieties of Vigilantism in Europe

Abstract

This panel will present findings from an international comparative study covering 17 countries, analysing groups that focus their vigilante activities on migrants and minorities that allegedly constitute a crime problem. The vigilante groups typically claim they are doing what the police is either unable or unwilling to do. These groups vary in terms of modus operandi, ranging from vigilante terrorism to paramilitary militias, border patrols and street patrols. Some groups are brutally violent whereas others just display a violent capacity without actually using violence.