In anticipation of possible chaotic scenes on New Year's Eve, the powerful German Criminal Investigators Association (BDK) is urging citizens to stand together with those safeguarding public order. BDK Chairman Dirk Peglow emphasized the need for the local populace to verbally back the emergency services, deterring assaults with firecrackers or bottles, which may spark violence. Vocal intervention can help to de-escalate intense situations, ultimately benefiting both the police and civilians.
Each New Year's Eve is a trying time for the German law enforcement, with high risks such as criminal activities and public unrest potentially amplifying. Moreover, external factors, including domestic political issues, play a role in creating divisive sentiments and radicalizing citizens. Despite this, the police and emergency services manage to cope with these operations admirably.
Germany's Federal Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser (SPD), raised concerns about a possibility of renewed, senseless, and brutal riots in several cities during New Year's Eve. She expressed worry over public fury and violence directed towards law enforcement and emergency services, similar to incidents that occurred on New Year's Eve of the previous year.
In various Berlin districts, young men let loose on New Year's Eve, indiscriminately hurling fireworks and throwing/shooting them at police officers and firefighters. Similar instances marred celebrations in major cities across Germany.
To delve deeper into the topic:
- Young extremists frequently rally against the CDU's immigration law, with protests often escalating into violence targeted at people with migrant backgrounds[1][5].
- Racial and xenophobic sentiments are being inflamed by the far-right, which has been fueling incidents of racist violence and demonstrations[2].
- The upcoming federal election, scheduled for February 23, 2025, is expected to see large protests, compounding the security challenges facing Germany and possibly extending to New Year's Eve festivities[4].
- Various extremist groups, including the Reichsbürger movement, are plotting to cause nationwide power cuts and orchestrate a government overthrow. While these specific acts of terrorism may not directly impact New Year's Eve, they underline a broader security context that could have ramifications during the celebrations[2].
- Considering these factors, there may be a call for public solidarity towards emergency services. This might involve community support for law enforcement and emergency responders, as well as collective efforts to safeguard public order and tranquility during New Year's Eve merrymaking.
Sources:
[1] https://www.dw.com/en/germans-right-wing-protests-against-refugees-draw-several-thousand-JrNd/a-4148414 [2] https://www.reuters.com/business/eu-business-news/germany-hunts-extremist-group-threatening-power-grid-2021-12-08/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/07/world/europe/germany-refugees-rejection.html [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-expect-crop-far-right-protests-before-2022-election-2022-01-11/ [5] https://www.dw.com/en/protest-against-prosecution-of-far-right-activist-ends-in-violence/a-62190807
