The police also expect an escalation: the German Minister of the Interior again fears riots on New Year’s Eve

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German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (53) again fears violent riots in various cities on New Year’s Eve. “I am afraid that New Year’s Eve could once again be a day when we have to experience blind rage and senseless violence in some cities, for example against police officers or rescue workers,” the SPD politician told the editorial network Germany. At the same time, she expressed concern that the riots could mix with those of radicalized Palestinians.

There is now a general increase in the willingness to use violence on days like New Year’s Eve, Faeser said. “And of course we have to keep a very close eye on the danger that this will also mix with the radicalization that we are now seeing in view of the conflict in the Middle East.”

The police expect another escalation

However, the states and the police have prepared differently for New Year’s Eve this time than last year. At that time, young men rioted in several Berlin neighborhoods on New Year’s Eve with fireworks and rockets. They also threw and shot fireworks at police officers and firefighters. Similar scenes also played out in other major cities.

Politicians and police in Berlin also expect similar events to those in 2022. The mood among Arab populations, for example in the Neukölln and Gesundbrunnen districts, could also have been incited by the war in Israel and Gaza. Berlin’s Senator for the Interior Iris Spranger (SPD) had announced that there should be significantly more police officers in the capital than a year ago. Berlin cannot hope for support from other states because the police are needed everywhere on New Year’s Eve. However, units are expected from the federal police. (SDA)

Source: Blick