Following the attack at the CSD in Berlin, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) and Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) have introduced a new ten-point plan aimed at combating Islamist terrorism. The ministers announced that the plan is scheduled for approval during a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The measures include strengthening monitoring capabilities for individuals deemed suspicious or dangerous. Dobrindt stated that this enhanced surveillance would also involve a more frequent application of electronic ankle monitors. Furthermore, the plan seeks to improve data monitoring by providing better protection through the storage of IP addresses and securing connection data for threat defense, a measure that will apply not only to federal authorities but also to state agencies in the future.
Addressing the physical violence, Dobrindt also announced that knife attacks will be subject to stricter penalties. Going forward, attacks using knives will be escalated to a crime and carry a minimum sentence of one year of imprisonment. He stressed that this elevation is urgently required to strengthen the law enforcement response to danger.
Hubig added that the plan also incorporates measures focused on prevention. For instance, they plan to tighten regulations against the dissemination of propaganda materials for the Islamic State. Since existing rules have often been unclear, the criminal statute regarding the use of terrorist organization insignia will be expanded. Additionally, a new charge will be introduced for individuals who collect donations for terrorist purposes.
The package also includes changes to youth criminal law. Dobrindt refuted the notion that the justice system is overly lenient with young offenders, while acknowledging the need for adjustments in various cases. Judges who use youth criminal law in their rulings will now be required to explicitly state in their judgments why they chose to apply that specific legal framework. Furthermore, programs dedicated to extremism prevention will receive greater support.
