As we previously reported, in June 2007, German authorities announced the country was facing a re-invigorated threat of terrorist attacks. On June 22, 2007, German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble publicly announced the threat is similar to the plots and threat atmosphere Germany had experienced in the weeks leading up to the September 11, 2001 attacks. Specifically, Schaeuble stated the current threat Germany faces is serious and alluded that suicide attacks on German soil are possible in the near-term.
In reaction to the perceived increased threat, German authorities have fallen into contentious debate concerning newly proposed stringent anti-terror legislation versus the protection of individual democratic rights. In recent weeks, German President Horst Kohler has joined a number of political leaders in the debate over controversial proposals by Interior Minister Wolfang Schaeuble to combat terrorism, including a highly controversial plan to intern without trial, and possible targeted killings of suspected terrorists.
We believe that Germany is a likely target of al-Qaeda and al-Qaeda inspired operatives, due to its perceived association with the US. Additionally, Germany’s participation in NATO engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq has served as a further reason for terrorist groups to possibly target and execute future attacks.
Threats Fuel Action
In the face of a growing terror threat, German Interior Minister Schaeuble continues to face criticism. Political opponents tout him as “undemocratic” due to his vocal demand for tougher anti-terrorism laws akin to laws currently enacted in the United States. Specifically, in recent statements, Schaeuble has insisted German authorities be permitted to detain individuals suspected of planning terror attacks prior to enacting them as a preemptive measure.
Despite garnering national attention for his 2007 proposals, Schauble is not a newcomer to German efforts to thwart terrorism through increased anti-terror legislation. In 2006, Schaeuble spearheaded the creation and enforcement of stringent anti-terror laws. Specifically, Schaeuble played a significant role in activating a controversial anti-terror register that permits German police and secret services access to personal information and records of criminal suspects, as well as suspected terrorists. The register contains approximately 13,000 names, of which only one-fourth reside inside Germany.
Currently, German authorities are also permitted to gather information on a variety of other issues to include: family ties, religious affiliation, financial accounts, and Internet and telecommunications data.
The new laws were finalized in 2006 following a failed terror attack on two regional German trains.
Anti-Terror Legislation Details
Under Interior Minister Schaeuble’s 2007 proposal, individuals involved in terror preparations such as training in so-called “terror camps,” collecting monetary funds for the express purpose of supporting terrorism, and disseminating instructions for the creation and employment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) face significant penalties. To this end, Schaeuble’s latest move seeks to widen the current paragraph 129 of Germany’s criminal code, an act that may ultimately lead suspects to receive jail-terms of up to 10 years for the creation of a terrorist organization.
Sparking significant controversy, Schaeuble is calling for legal powers to intern so-called “terrorist combatants” before they commit terrorist acts, a tactic that closely mirrors a US-style criminal offense based on conspiracy to commit a crime or as the case may be, a terrorist act. Additionally, the Interior Minister is proposing individuals deemed “dangerous” by the state be banned from using the Internet and other telecommunications equipment to include cellular telephones.
Anti-Terror Protection Versus Democratic Rights
As we previously reported, political personalities on both sides of the issue have sprung up speaking out regarding Schaeuble’s proposed anti-terror legislation. The Social Democratic Party’s Sebastian Edathy continues to criticize Schaeuble’s actions warning against so-called “hysterical debate” over the danger of terrorism in Germany. Additionally, Edathy contests alleged intrusive inquiries into personal information of suspected terrorists, citing Germany must avoid infringing upon basic democratic values afforded to German residents and for whose protection the government carries out its security policies.
Critics continue to oppose Schaeuble’s previously installed anti-terror register professing it is vulnerable to misuse akin to the massive abuse endured during the Nazi regime.
Conversely, Christian Social Union Interior Representative, Hans-Peter Uhl, has warned, for the prevention of and defense against terrorist attacks on German soil it is imperative that authorities be permitted to carry out clandestine online searches in accordance with court-issued orders to preempt would-be terrorists before they commit attacks.
Germany Under Threat
German officials continue to highlight an alleged, “striking rise in threat” throughout the country. Similarly to neighboring European nations such as the UK, France, and Spain, Germany remains a significant target for terrorist attacks.
We believe Germany’s perceived “pro-US” political and military stance likely contributes to its rising status among al-Qaeda and al-Qaeda-inspired terrorists.
Additionally, as conflicts persist in Iraq and Afghanistan, German assets, citizens, and troops both abroad and at home, will likely continue to face a significant threat of terrorist attacks.
