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74-Year-Old Man Arrested for Assaulting Former Berlin Mayor; German Chancellor Condemns Attacks on Politicians
German police apprehend suspect in assault on former Berlin mayor Franziska Giffey, highlighting concerns over rising violence against politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounces the attacks as 'outrageous and cowardly'.
ND
by News Desk
2024-05-09
74-Year-Old Man Arrested for Assaulting Former Berlin Mayor; German Chancellor Condemns Attacks on Politicians

German authorities have detained a 74-year-old man suspected of assaulting former Berlin mayor Franziska Giffey in the latest incident of violence targeting politicians in the country. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has strongly condemned the attacks, emphasizing the imperative of upholding democratic principles and rejecting violence as a means of political expression.

The assault occurred when Giffey, currently serving as Berlin state's economy minister, was at a library on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect allegedly approached her from behind and struck her in the head and neck with a bag containing hard objects. Giffey sustained light injuries and was treated in hospital, while the detained suspect, previously known to investigators for "state security and hate crimes," is under scrutiny regarding the motive behind the attack.

The alarming trend of assaults against politicians in Germany has raised concerns among government officials and the public alike. According to provisional police data, incidents targeting politicians surged to 2,790 in 2023, reflecting a worrying escalation compared to previous years. Scholz underscored the severity of the situation, stressing that attacks on politicians undermine the foundations of democracy.

In response to the growing threat, Berlin's current mayor Kai Wegner has pledged to explore tougher penalties for assaults targeting politicians, reaffirming the government's commitment to safeguarding democratic norms and protecting public officials.

The assault on Giffey is just one in a series of recent attacks on politicians across Germany. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck and other prominent figures, particularly from Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) and coalition partner the Greens, have faced similar incidents of harassment and intimidation in recent months.

The rise in violence against politicians underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and proactive measures to combat extremism and intolerance within society. As investigations into these incidents continue, political leaders and law enforcement agencies must work collaboratively to ensure the safety and security of all individuals engaged in the democratic process.
Tagged:

politics

germany

Violence
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