The German government is planning legislative adjustments to bolster its legal framework for addressing terrorist threats. A draft bill from the Federal Ministry of Justice is expected to be approved by the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday, according to reports in “Welt.
The proposed changes primarily focus on expanding the scope of criminal liability for actions preceding potential terrorist attacks. Currently, preparing a “serious threat to the stability of the state through violence” is already punishable if perpetrators, for example, acquire firearms or manufacture explosives as part of their planning. The new legislation aims to extend this criminalization to encompass the preparation of attacks utilizing potentially dangerous everyday objects, such as vehicles or knives. This adjustment is reportedly driven by the observed trend of such objects being used in recent attacks.
Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig emphasized the need for a proactive response to the evolving landscape of threats, stating that extremist groups, terrorist networks and autocratic regimes are actively targeting Germany and its values. The proposed legal adjustments are intended to strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in countering the preparation of attacks and hybrid warfare, particularly those involving commonplace items.
Further proposed changes include criminalizing the entry of individuals intending to commit terrorist offenses within Germany. The government aims to enhance its response to security challenges by adapting the legal framework to address emerging threats.
