- Wüst intends to propose countermeasures following the incident in Solingen.
Around three weeks following a suspected Islamist incident in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) will brief the state parliament today (10:00 AM) on the implications. It's anticipated that Wüst will introduce a wide-ranging set of measures in the realms of internal security, immigration policy, and prevention.
On August 23, a man wielding a knife attacked a city festival in Solingen, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to eight others. The suspected culprit, a 26-year-old Syrian, is currently in detention. His deportation was previously planned but unsuccessful.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office is examining him for various offenses, including murder and suspected affiliation with the Islamic State terrorist group. This organization claimed responsibility for the attack and also released a video depicting a masked man who is claimed to be the assailant.
Wüst labeled the knife attack in Solingen as a "pivotal moment" during a special session of the plenum. Now, it's time for action. While Germany retains its promise to individual asylum seekers, it does not extend this right to hundreds of thousands of individuals who've migrated to the country. The CDU politician has long advocated for asylum procedures outside the EU and efficient readmission agreements with the primary nations of origin. The security apparatus should be fortified, and they need to stay tuned into internet activities. This necessitates a constitutional data retention system.
In recent days, Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) and Refugee Minister Josefine Paul (Greens) have already proposed initial measures. Reul requested more police presence and identity checks at public events. As per an order, individuals can also be subjected to weapon checks without the presence of a specific threat.
Refugee Minister Paul has strengthened the control and oversight duties of local and central foreigner authorities in relation to the return of rejected asylum seekers. The proposed deportation of the Syrian suspect to Bulgaria in June 2023 was prevented due to his absence from his emergency accommodation; no further efforts for return were made.
In response to the incident, other European countries have expressed their willingness to assist in the Syrian suspect's deportation if necessary. Furthermore, there are calls for a comprehensive review of Germany's asylum and immigration policies to ensure they adequately address potential security concerns other than just internal measures.
