NAfter the attacks on police officers and rescue workers on New Year’s Eve, Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) is demanding severe penalties. In an interview with “Antenna Bayern” and the editorial network Germany (RND), he rejected a general ban on firecrackers. “It’s frightening how some rioters abuse New Year’s Eve celebrations and endanger or even injure others with fireworks,” said Herrmann.
The fact that the police, fire brigade and rescue services, who ensure safety on a daily basis, become victims themselves underlines the unscrupulousness. “These New Year’s messes must be severely punished. A noticeable reminder and, if necessary, imprisonment are appropriate.”
However, a general ban on fireworks would also punish those who acted prudently and responsibly. That would not be effective, said the minister. “A general ban on fireworks would also not eliminate the causes, namely the brutalization of a few,” emphasized Herrmann, referring to the possibility of municipalities to ban fireworks in certain places.
Municipalities expect prohibition zones
The German Association of Cities underlined the effectiveness of such steps. “So far, long before Corona, the cities have had good experiences with fireworks ban zones,” said Managing Director Helmut Dedy of the editorial network Germany. “They serve to protect residents from noise, historic buildings from fire and people on party miles from injury.”
After a precise analysis of the incidents, it could happen “that the firecracker ban zones will be expanded next year or, in consultation with the security authorities, the police presence will be increased,” Dedy continued. However, it should not be forgotten that the majority of people have followed the rules.
The President of the German District Association, Reinhard Sager, also pointed out in an interview with the RND that the laws allow “local firecracker bans”. The bans would be particularly suitable for some large cities, but less so for the districts.
The district mayor of Berlin-Neukölln, Martin Hikel, pleaded for a ban on the sale of fireworks. “I think it’s right that we also talk about the importance of fireworks for us socially and whether sales should be restricted,” said the SPD politician to the “Welt”. A corresponding ban must apply throughout Germany. In addition, at least the small firearms license should be required for the purchase of blank pistols.
The Neukölln district was one of the focal points of the riots on New Year’s Eve in the capital. There were scenes that reminded him of “civil war-like conditions,” said Hikel. “In individual cases, rescue workers were deliberately lured into an ambush in order to attack them there. This is highly criminal behavior.”
Police report more than 150 arrests
The chairman of the German Association of Judges, Joachim Lüblinghoff, spoke out against changes to the law. Whenever there are such incidents, there is a call for stricter laws, he told Deutschlandfunk. However, experience has shown that the laws are sufficient if they are exhausted.
According to the latest information, 41 police forces were injured in attacks on New Year’s Eve in Berlin. There were a total of 159 arrests, said a spokesman on Monday evening. It was mostly young men or teenagers, it said. It is not only determined because of attacks on law enforcement officers, but also because of arson, violations of the explosives law or breach of the peace.
According to the fire brigade, it documented attacks on at least 38 missions in Berlin. She complained of 15 injuries on Sunday. Around the turn of the year, the police were on duty in the capital with almost 1,300 additional officers.
