Beuth: Protection of Jewish life has top priority
Hesse's Interior Minister Peter Beuth (CDU) has denounced anti-Semitic statements and expressions of sympathy for the radical Islamic group Hamas at pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The "barbaric terrorist attack" by Hamas on Israel had shaken the world to its foundations, said Beuth on Monday at an event to mark the launch of the new Hessian police headquarters in Lich. Regrettably, there are also people in Hesse "who publicly condone the heinous crimes of terrorists at gatherings, deny the state of Israel its right to exist and call for violence", said Beuth.
"Our message to these people could hardly be clearer these days. We are resolutely opposed to such inhuman behavior." The police have further strengthened their already extensive measures to protect Jewish institutions. "This is a matter of course for us, because protecting Jewish life is a top priority for the state government," said Beuth. "There is no place for anti-Semitic statements or expressions of sympathy for terrorist organizations here in Hesse."
The Hessian police have a duty to enforce the rule of law and enforce rules. "This also includes intervening immediately if restrictions are violated at demonstrations or posters and chants with anti-Semitic content are noticed." This is a difficult task and requires a great deal of tact. "And when I look at the operations in Hesse over the past few weeks, the Hessian police have done an outstanding job."
The officers are sensitized to propaganda crimes with anti-Semitic messages and intervene immediately if the situation requires it. "The police consistently take action against disruptive individuals and at the same time demonstrate a sense of proportion to allow demonstrators to exercise their freedom of expression and freedom of assembly." In view of the strong emotionalization in connection with the Middle East conflict, this is "a challenging balancing act", said Beuth.
The police have been vigilant in enforcing rules against anti-Semitic expressions at demonstrations, recognizing that protecting Jewish life is a top priority for the state government. In light of extremist views, the police also monitor organizations that sympathize with terrorist groups like Hamas.
Source: www.dpa.com
