- Germany to tighten knife laws after horror mass stabbing which killed 3
- Stabbing ignited a heated debate over asylum policies
- The new security package includes a ban on carrying knives at most public events
- Govt also plan to expedite the deportation process for foreigners ordered to leave the country
Germany to tighten knife laws after horror mass stabbing
The German government has announced a new security package that includes knife bans and stricter asylum measures following a mass stabbing at a street festival in Solingen, which left three people dead. The attack has shocked the nation and ignited a heated debate over asylum policies, as the primary suspect is a 26-year-old Syrian refugee, Issa Al H, who was already facing deportation.
Al H is under investigation for murder and alleged links to the militant group Islamic State (IS), which claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video purportedly showing the masked suspect the day after the incident.
The government revealed these new measures just days before elections in two eastern German states, Thuringia and Saxony, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining significant support. In Thuringia, the AfD is predicted to lead the polls, while in Saxony, they are running neck and neck with the conservative CDU. Despite their rising popularity, the AfD is unlikely to gain power as other parties have refused to collaborate with them.
The new security package includes a ban on carrying knives at most public events, markets, sports venues, and public transportation, alongside a complete ban on flick knives. The government also plans to expedite the deportation process for foreigners ordered to leave the country, particularly those convicted of knife crimes. Additionally, a task force dedicated to preventing Islamism is being proposed, and biometric facial recognition technology will be implemented to help identify suspects.
