Authoritarian Figureheads: Attempt to Block Syrian Enrollment Declared Unlawful
"Governments should steer clear of infringing on constitutional rights," argued Hebestreit. He underlined the significance of personal asylum rights as "a key element of the German Basic Law's major accomplishments." Nobody, he stated, would seriously challenge this point. Regardless, he perceived no zeal from those backing the government to amend this article of the Basic Law.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and opposition leader Merz are due to discuss migration policy at a session on Tuesday, as per media reports. The meeting, scheduled for early morning at the Chancellery, has been arranged for some time, according to "Handelsblatt," citing CDU sources. However, the main focus will now be on the aftermath of the Solingen attack and a shift in migration policy.
Merz urged Scholz in an open letter last Sunday to alter migration policy. Among other things, he suggested a halt on admission of individuals from Syria and Afghanistan.
"Dear Federal Chancellor, our paths will cross this week anyway," he penned. "I implore you to collaborate with us expeditiously to implement decisive measures aimed at preventing future terrorist attacks like the one last Friday in our nation."
Hebestreit refused to comment on the seemingly imminent meeting when asked. He referred to the confidentiality of such discussions, albeit "transparency from the other end is often more prevalent."
Nonetheless, Scholz remains amenable to dialogue, the government spokesman confirmed. However, any agreement must be "reasonable and purposeful." Proposals must "not contravene the Basic Law or the UN Charter on Human Rights." This "is a constant consideration for any government."
Hebestreit stressed that it is, of course, the right of the opposition leader to present demands. The federal government had already instigated "significant alterations" in the spring following talks with the federal states, including those governed by the Union, "to eradicate legal impediments to deportations." However, in the case of the knife attack in Solingen, it seemed to be more about the implementation of existing law.
Last Friday evening, three individuals were slain and eight others injured in a knife attack during a city festival. The suspected perpetrator, a 26-year-old Syrian, gave himself up on Saturday and was apprehended. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating on suspicion of terrorism.
On Saturday, the jihadist militia Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack. On Sunday evening, IS disseminated an alleged confession video featuring the perpetrator. It depicts a masked man brandishing a stabbing weapon.
The man accuses "infield crusaders" of perpetrating "massacres" in Bosnia, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. "God willing, I will dismember you," it continues. In another video segment, the man, now concealed with a pixelated face, says: "There are only a few moments remaining (...) Please pray for me."
North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) advised caution in evaluating the video. "The analysis is intricate," he asserted.
The SPD, represented by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is set to discuss migration policy with opposition leader Merz, focusing on the aftermath of the Solingen attack. Despite Merz's proposal to halt admission of individuals from Syria and Afghanistan, Scholz emphasizes the need for any agreement to be reasonable and purposeful, not contravening the Basic Law or the UN Charter on Human Rights.
In the context of the SPD, Hebestreit, a prominent figure, highlights the importance of personal asylum rights and governments not infringing on constitutional rights, as touched upon in recent discussions regarding migration policy.
