In light of heightened security measures at Cologne Cathedral due to alleged terror threats from an Islamist group, as disclosed by North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul, the public was urged not to abandon church attendance during Christmas out of fear. Reul, a CDU politician, acknowledged the increased terrorist danger, but emphasized that fear should not empower the terrorists. In a statement made in Düsseldorf on Sunday to the German Press Agency, Reul encouraged people to attend church and celebrate Christmas, casting fear as terrorists' currency.
The police, in response to potential terror risks, have bolstered security measures at Cologne Cathedral. Conducting a search using explosives-detecting dogs on Saturday evening, they found no suspicious materials. However, police announced their intention to check all visitors on Christmas Eve to guarantee the safety of the churchgoers during the peace and joyous occasion.
Though Reul's specific response and security measures during the Christmas season are not detailed in the sources, the general public is likely reminded to stay cautious. Several arrests have been made in connection to the terrorism alert, including a 41-year-old German-Turkish man and four individuals of Tajik and Uzbek nationality.
The police are investigating extremist motives behind the potential attack, advising the general public to be vigilant. Cologne Cathedral remains a significant target for terrorists, evidenced by its status as a prominent landmark during the Christmas celebrations held annually in Germany.
Minister Reul's appeal for unity and resilience in the face of the terror threat echoes similar efforts in other European countries, reiterating the importance of community coherence in the face of challenges.
