Sonja Eichwede, the Deputy Group Chair of the SPD in the Bundestag, is demanding that the causes of violence be tackled following the recent riots that accompanied a large, peaceful protest weekend. Speaking to the “Welt” newspaper, Eichwede stressed that society must confront violence decisively, and equally important, must fight the underlying reasons that lead to criminal behavior.
She cautioned against broad generalizations, pointing out that roughly one-third of the German population has a migration background. She argued that making sweeping categorizations, like those that might have been applied during this weekend’s acts of violence, breed prejudice and risk unfairly implicating innocent people. She maintains that such generalizations do nothing to help combat or clarify criminality.
While emphasizing the need to address violence, Eichwede also deemed it crucial to differentiate between legitimate protests and criminal actions. She welcomed the act of young people exercising their right to demonstrate for their important concerns.
However, she firmly stated that the violence and rioting seen last Saturday are absolutely unacceptable. “Violence against the police, property damage, and looting of stores are serious crimes.” She insisted that society must pursue these offenses consistently, quickly, and “with the full severity of the law.” She concluded by stating that whoever violates the law and order-regardless of their background-must face the consequences.
