Urgent need for action: terrorist risk in Solingen and Hessen

Urgent need for action: terrorist risk in Solingen and Hessen

On August 26, 2024, a disturbing terrorist attack in Solingen, which re -founding the discussion about security and prevention in Germany, rejoiced. In this incident, the German police union (DPolG) Hessen sees an alarming confirmation of the increasing violence, which is evident from similar knife attacks in recent months. State chairman Björn Werminghaus said that a quick and coordinated action on the part of politics was essential to prevent such devastating attacks.

Werminghaus made it clear that individual measures, such as sharper weapons laws or the introduction of weapon ban zones, are not sufficient to effectively combat the problem of Islamist terror. He emphasized that a holistic strategy is necessary to counteract this and other acts of violence. His statements came after the recent concerns about the increase in such attacks in the country, which were only reinforced by the attack in Solingen.

The Situation in Hesse

in Hesse, the number of knife attacks has increased alarming in recent years. These developments raise questions about the effectiveness of the current security measures. According to the Werminghaus, temporary solutions, such as setting up weapon ban zones, the police officers in their daily work, do not effectively move into the problematic areas where targeted attacks take place. For a sustainable improvement, it is necessary to develop comprehensive strategies and to train the police.

An aspect that the Werminghaus appeals to be particularly critical is the need to combat radicalism at its roots. Uncontrolled and extremist sermons in backyard mosques and hate preachers on the Internet must be counteracted. These measures not only require a strengthening of the security authorities, but also a deeper social examination of the underlying problems.

need for action in politics

Another central concern of the DPolG is the personnel increase in various areas, including the immigration authorities and the public prosecutors. Werminghaus demands more staff to be able to enact faster deportation and relieve the overloaded dishes. This shows that the challenges not only have to be addressed proactively, but also reactively in order to avert potential threats in good time.

The demands also include more intensive control at the borders as well as improved personnel equipment from the police and the protection of the constitution. In order to prevent future attacks, the use of video surveillance in public space must also be expanded. These measures should not only serve the deterrent, but also the peaceful and safe coexistence of all citizens in society.

In summary, the message of the Dpolg Hessen is clear: the time of hesitation is over. Politics must act immediately and determined to increase the security level in Germany. The measures that are now taken could be crucial for how certainly citizens feel in their daily life. In view of the repeated incidents, it is not only a requirement of the hour, but also a moral obligation that all actors involved take responsibility and act together against terror.

against the background of the security debate

The increased number of attacks requires a rethink in Germany's security strategy. In order to ensure effective prevention, citizens, politicians and security authorities should work together in a dialogical process. This is the only way to expose a stable foundation for a safe society that sustainably opposes terror and promotes an open discourse on possible ways of prevention of violence.

background information on Islamist terror in Germany

The problem of Islamist terror in Germany is complex and is influenced by various social, political and economic factors. In recent years there have been several weddings of Islamist attacks that have led to increased security awareness not only in Germany, but also in other European countries. These incidents are often the result of a variety of extremism factors that have both local and global dimensions.

A central aspect is radicalization, which often takes place in communities, where social isolation, economic inequality and insufficient integration measures come together. Studies by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution show that young people who are in a precarious life situation in particular have an increased risk of being attracted to extremist ideas. These radicalization approaches are often reinforced by social media and online platforms that enable extremist groups to spread their propaganda unhindered and to mobilize fans.

Current statistics and data on terrorism in Germany

According to the report of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on crime in Germany, the country recorded an increase in politically motivated crime in 2022, including Islamist acts. In one year, the BKA recorded more than 500 Islamistically motivated acts of violence, which represents a worrying increase compared to previous years. A large part of these acts are knife attacks that often trigger fear and horror in public

In addition, there were extensive reports on the challenges of the security forces, which as a result of the increased number of potential threats, the resources are heavily burdened. In a survey by the DPolG among police officers, around 70 % of those surveyed expressed that they feel concerned about the staffing of the security forces and that they are demanding more support and resources for effective prevention measures.

For more detailed information on the developments of the crime situation in Germany, the reports of the Federal Criminal Police Office can be consulted.

comparable historical events in Germany

One of the most comparable episodes in German history in terms of terrorism would be the wave of the RAF attacks (Red Army Group) in the 1970s. At that time, Germany was confronted with a significant number of terrorist attacks, which also produced social tensions.

As in Islamist terrorism, the motifs of the RAF were closely linked to political and social unrest. The necessary political measures that were taken to counteract the threat from the inside included both repressive measures and deeper social analyzes for fighting causes. The differences lie in the motivation structure of the perpetrators and the ideological background. While the RAF emerged from a socialist-anarchist ideas, Islamist attacks are often strongly motivated by religious ideologies.

Further information about the history of the RAF can be read on the Federal Center for Political Education