2024-09-03 00:50:21
Following the attack in Solingen, the Thuringian state government has made a number of decisions. These include no-go zones, video surveillance and deportations.
After the knife attack in Solingen, the Thuringian state government is making it easier for municipalities to set up weapon or knife-free zones. The cabinet has created the legal conditions for this, said Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) in Erfurt. The administrations of the districts and independent cities know the situation in their region best and can react to dangers quickly and as needed.
“We are giving municipalities an effective tool for averting danger,” said Maier. The Weapons Act empowers the state government to issue a corresponding legal ordinance.
Weapon and knife ban zones could be set up if it is assumed that they are necessary to prevent threats to public safety, said Maier. This would also involve monitoring compliance with knife bans by the police. In general, the visible police presence in Thuringia should be increased, for example at folk festivals, major sporting events or concerts.
Maier referred to a number of other decisions made by the cabinet, including the reinforcement of the central office at the State Administration Office for the repatriation of migrants required to leave the country.
Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (Left Party) said that it could not be normal for people to walk around pedestrian zones or elsewhere with knives in their pockets. He announced that Thuringia would set up its own cells to safely house foreigners who are required to leave the country or who have committed crimes before they are deported. The previous cooperation with Rhineland-Palatinate on so-called deportation cells was not sufficient.
Maier called on the federal government to amend the Telecommunications Act. IP addresses are often the only investigative approach when it comes to combating Islamist terrorism. Germany is limited in this respect. He called on the Federal Ministry of Justice to “end its blockade,” said Thuringia’s Interior Minister.
CDU top candidate Mario Voigt wants to achieve a change of direction in migration policy. His party wants to create a prison for foreign criminals. In addition, people with no prospect of staying should be centrally housed in repatriation centers, he reiterated a CDU demand. A single court should be responsible for all asylum procedures. “The basic principle is: benefits in kind instead of cash and payment cards everywhere in the country,” said Voigt.