Song'in Attack: Faeser Addresses BAMF Oversights - A Closer Look
Minister Faeser on Solingen Incident: No Fault Found with BAMF's Handling - BAMF scrutiny remains unwavering post Solingen attack, as stated by Faeser
In the aftermath of the grisly knife attack in Song'in's multicultural festival that left three innocents dead, the spotlight has fallen upon a potential breakdown in Germany's immigration and security systems. Former Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has offered her insights, refuting allegations of negligence by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in the case of the suspected assailant, Issa Al H.
Here's what we know:
Prior to Terror
- Undetected: Prior to the tragic incident, Mr. Al H. remained beyond the reach of the BAMF's security department. The asylum application showed no irregularities. What's more, neither the Federal Criminal Police Office nor the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution held any information that could have alerted them to his potential threat.
The Bloody Day and Inquiry
- Claims of Responsibility: The IS claimed responsibility for the attack, with a 27-year-old Syrian, Mr. Al H., as the perpetrator. He has since been in custody.
- Investigation: The North Rhine-Westphalian state parliament's investigative committee is scrutinizing the case, examining any potential oversights, errors, and structural deficiencies. Particular focus is on the failed deportation of Mr. Al H. to Bulgaria and the implementation of EU rules ("Dublin procedure").
A Closed Case?
- Failed Deportation: Faeser explained the sequence of events: the BAMF submitted a request for transfer to Bulgaria, responsible for the initial asylum process. Bulgaria agreed, following which the BAMF rejected the asylum application.
- The 'Miss': The Central Aliens Office (ZAB) attempted an unannounced transfer attempt, but failed to locate Mr. Al H. No more transfer attempts were made by ZAB, likely due to regulatory challenges.
Systemic Flaws
- Missing Mr. Al H.: If one cannot be found upon an unannounced visit, the individual is not considered an absconder under the European Dublin-III Regulation. Given this, the 18-month extension of the transfer deadline could not be applied.
- Expired Deadline: By August 20, 2023, the transfer deadline expired, and responsibility for the asylum procedure shifted to Germany.
Moving Forward
- Asylum Decision: Mr. Al H. contended during his personal hearing that he was evading mandatory military service in Syria and aimed to improve his economic condition. The BAMF's asylum decision corresponded with the then-decision-making practice for Syria.
- Security Package: In response to the Song'in attack, the federal government, led by Faeser, swiftly implemented a comprehensive security package with far-reaching measures, aiming to enhance the protection of the population. Measures included tightening gun laws, establishing new knife ban zones, and allowing authorities to search the rooms of asylum seeker accommodations before deportations.
- EU Limitations: Faeser acknowledged several shortcomings in the EU's approach to the handling and return of asylum seekers. Many countries are reluctant to accept their quota of refugees or impose stringent conditions, such as low weekly quotas and tight deadlines.
- Standing Vigilantly: Faeser emphasized that despite the challenges, she would continue working diligently to bolster security measures and safeguard German citizens, ensuring no such tragedy repeats itself.
- Despite the deadly knife attack in Song'in's multicultural festival, former Interior Minister Nancy Faeser denies BAMF's negligence in the case of the suspect, Issa Al H.
- Prior to the attack, Mr. Al H. evaded the BAMF's security department, and no irregularities were found in his asylum application or in the records of the Federal Criminal Police Office or the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
- During the investigation, North Rhine-Westphalia's state parliament's investigative committee is examining any potential oversights, errors, and structural deficiencies, particularly focusing on the failed deportation of Mr. Al H. and the implementation of EU rules.
- Faeser explained that the BAMF submitted a request for transfer to Bulgaria, responsible for the initial asylum process, but failed to locate Mr. Al H. during an unannounced transfer attempt, which prevented the application of the 18-month extension of the transfer deadline.
- In response to the Song'in attack, the federal government under Faeser's leadership has implemented a security package with far-reaching measures and acknowledged EU limitations in handling and returning asylum seekers, emphasizing the commitment to bolster security measures and safeguard German citizens.
