Criticism from North Rhine-Westphalia's interior minister towards the discussions following the Solingen incident.
Reul voiced out during the presentation of the state's alleged crime situation report on knife incidents, which was previously scheduled, that simply focusing on bans and strengthening laws isn't sufficient. A determined radical will always discover ways around such restrictions. Hence, the discussion should also encompass "the perpetrators."
At this event, a 26-year-old Syrian refugee is the prime suspect in a violent incident that took three lives in Solingen on Friday. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is scrutinizing him for allegedly committing this act with terrorist intentions. This incident sparked heated debates, including those on migration policies and knife bans.
Olaf Scholz, the Federal Chancellor (SPD), announced strengthening the weapons law post-incident, and knife bans in public areas have been a topic of discussion for some time. This includes establishing ban zones and bolstering police control powers.
As per the State Criminal Police Office (LKA)'s situation report, presented by Reul, around 3500 cases involving knives were documented in North Rhine-Westphalia last year. This represented a 43% rise compared to the previous year, 2022. There were 15 fatalities.
Most of the suspects were males and comparatively young, according to the LKA's assessment. Nearly half of them were under 21, and 45% had foreign citizenship. Incidents occurred in public areas and establishments like the catering industry. Many incidents took place in the evening and night hours, and locations popular for partying outdoors.
Reul mentioned that the evaluation could aid in devising more customized countermeasures and local initiatives. He is particularly concerned about the disproportionate representation of suspects without German citizenship compared to the foreign population. Knives seem to be intertwined with "masculinity," he added. Therefore, preventive measures in refugee shelters should be intensified, among other steps. Unconventional strategies such as video surveillance also need to be considered.
The Commission, being part of the ongoing discussion about knife incidents, suggested focusing on the perpetrators alongside enforcing bans and strengthening laws. After the brutal incident in Solingen, The Commission suggested intensifying preventive measures in refugee shelters to address the issues associated with knives and perceived masculinity.
