Internal security - Police visibly out and about at Christmas markets
Christmas markets and other Christmas-related events are currently a particular focus for the state police. "The police authorities ensure - depending on the size and significance as well as the local conditions of the events - a visible police presence, among other things," the Ministry of the Interior announced in Magdeburg on Friday. However, the security authorities are of the opinion that there is no specific threat to the Christmas markets in the state. The background to this are calls by terrorist groups from the Islamist spectrum in particular to carry out attacks in Western countries.
Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU) commented on the suspicion of terrorism against an arrested 20-year-old Iraqi from Saxony-Anhalt: "This suspicion of terrorism also underlines the tense, heightened security situation throughout Germany. I would like to thank all the security authorities involved for their high level of vigilance and excellent cooperation."
The Ministry of the Interior went on to explain: "Even if Saxony-Anhalt is currently characterized by an increased abstract threat situation, the security authorities currently have no knowledge or indications from which a concrete threat specifically for Christmas markets could be derived," it continued. "The war in the Middle East following the terrorist attacks against the state of Israel has further exacerbated the security situation, as the aforementioned calls for attacks are linked to current developments and can particularly catch on with radicalized individuals." The MDR had previously reported.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the 20-year-old Iraqi arrested in Lower Saxony, who is said to have planned a terrorist attack during the Christmas period, is continuing. He is still in police custody "on the basis of measures to avert danger", the State Criminal Police Office of Lower Saxony announced on Friday. The 20-year-old, who according to police information had planned a serious act of violence during the Christmas period, was arrested in Helmstedt on November 21. Most recently, two young people were arrested in North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg for allegedly planning a Christmas market attack.
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- Despite the increased focus on Christmas markets due to potential terrorism threats, the Ministry of the Interior in Magdeburg confirmed that there are no specific threats to the markets in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The arrest of a 20-year-old Iraqi in Saxony-Anhalt, suspected of terrorism, is a reminder of the heightened security situation throughout Germany, according to Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang.
- Although Saxony-Anhalt is currently under an increased abstract threat situation, the security authorities have no concrete evidence to suggest a threat specifically targeting Christmas markets.
- Just days after the arrest of the Iraqi suspect, police in Lower Saxony continue their investigation into a 20-year-old who had planned a terrorist attack during the Christmas period.
- Christmas markets in other regions, such as Lower Saxony, are not immune to terrorism concerns, as shown by the arrests of two young individuals in North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg allegedly planning a Christmas market attack.
- The increased police presence at Christmas markets and other events is part of a broader focus on internal security in Germany, with authorities urging vigilance and cooperation in maintaining safety.
- As terrorism remains a threat to Christmas markets and other public places, the need for continued cooperation between German security agencies and citizens becomes evermore crucial in ensuring a peaceful holiday season.
Source: www.stern.de
