The ongoing discourse is underway. - Increase in stabbings prompts union to advocate for restrictions
Due to the surge in knife assaults, such as those reported in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany's Police Union is advocating for a comprehensive prohibition on carrying knives in public areas like streets and plazas. According to Olaf Sendel, the state chairman of the police union, lawbreakers aren't picky about knife lengths.
allowances can be made for cultural events or recreational pursuits like fishing or hunting. As Sendel points out, it's unusual to see individuals strolling around city centers with knives. Knife length isn't crucial, as a 2-centimeter blade can still inflict harm.
The discourse on knife attacks was sparked by the suspected Islamist attack resulting in three fatalities in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, knife-related incidents have been on the rise in Saxony-Anhalt.
In 2020, knife attacks were first incorporated into the Police Crime Statistics. In 2021, 896 incidents were recorded, with 1,069 cases reported in 2023, based on data from the state criminal police office. In mid-June, a 27-year-old Afghan resident of Wolmirstedt (Börde district) murdered a 23-year-old and injured multiple individuals at a private EM garden party.
Predominantly young men and adolescents among the suspected assailants
As the statistics indicate, approximately 87 percent of suspects in 2022 were male, with 35 percent being under 21 years old. Around 69 percent of suspects were German citizens.
Sendel, the chairman of the German Police Union, also emphasizes the importance of police control options. He advocates for the capability of random, suspicion-free inspections. At the same time, he supports a stronger approach towards criminal foreigners.
State Minister of the Interior Tamara Zieschang (CDU) recently advocated for updated deportation regulations, including for countries like Syria and Afghanistan. According to the Interior Ministry, there are currently around 230 deportable individuals from Afghanistan and around 290 deportable individuals from Syria in Saxony-Anhalt.
Furthermore, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has imposed a ban on deportation for approximately 2,450 Afghan and 450 Syrian nationals who should, in theory, be deported.
The rise in knife-related incidents, including those linked to extremist groups, has become a significant concern. It's crucial to address this issue, considering the majority of suspected assailants are young men and adolescents.
Extremist groups often use violence as a tool, and the increasing number of knife assaults could potentially be a manifestation of such extremism.
