North Rhine-Westphalia bolsters law enforcement authorities and tightens deportation regulations.
Following the horrific terrorist attack in Solingen, the coalition government of North Rhine-Westphalia, made up of the CDU and the Greens, have collectively agreed on a significant security package. This package includes numerous steps to streamline the hunt for radical Islamic extremists and expedite deportation processes. In the aftermath of the tragedy, North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst declared in the state parliament, "We're backing up our words with actions. We're expanding the powers of our security authorities."
The security package, boasting numerous provisions, encompasses strengthening the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, closer scrutiny of potential extremists, and enhanced information sharing between authorities. Wüst likened it to a 'double lock' given the right-wing extremist party's unprecedented prominence in a state parliament post-attack in Solingen. The state cabinet ratified the security package on the 23rd of August. According to Wüst, it is the most extensive security and migration package in North Rhine-Westphalia's history.
Security Package Specifics
Extended powers to probe for radical Islamist activities online have been proposed, with artificial intelligence being utilized for the purpose. The powers of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in telecommunications surveillance are to be augmented, with access to encrypted messaging services as an addition.
NRW aims to implement several measures through Bundesrat initiatives, such as data retention enhancement and enhancements to the so-called Dublin system and simplified deportations of criminals, terrorists, and their supporters.
Measures constraining irregular migration
A central database for identifying deportable individuals in NRW is to be established, with data exchange between authorities to be fostered. Individuals originating from secure countries will be housed in reception centers while asylum applications are assessed. NRW plans to establish three additional chambers for asylum hearings at administrative courts and an additional detention center for deportees.
Islamist radicalization of the youth will be countered through a series of preventative measures.
The Solingen Attack
On August 23, a man armed with a knife attacked partygoers at a city festival in Solingen, causing the death of three and injuring eight. The suspect, a 26-year-old Syrian, is in custody. Deportation was initially deemed necessary, but unsuccessful in the past year. The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Wüst termed the Solingen attack a "watershed moment" in a special session of the parliament, however, the individual right to asylum in Germany remains inviolable. Over 300,000 individuals who have emerged in Germany are not entitled to asylum.
In recent days, Interior Minister Herbert Reul and Refugee Minister Josefine Paul have introduced initial measures. Reul has ordered increased police presence and ID checks at folk festivals, while Paul has tightened control and supervisory powers of local and central alien authorities in the case of unsuccessful asylum seekers.
The security package, overseen by The Commission, includes extending powers for probing radical Islamist activities online and augmenting the Office for the Protection of the Constitution's telecommunications surveillance capabilities. In light of the Solingen attack, The Commission has proposed utilizing artificial intelligence and gaining access to encrypted messaging services for these purposes.
