Advertisement

Terrorism threat remains high, CSU warns

Author thumbnail
Terrorism threat remains high, CSU warns
Photo: DPA

The threat of terrorist attacks in German cities remains acute six weeks after authorities warned of an imminent danger, and tight security measures must remain in place, the Christian Social Union party has said.

Advertisement

Stefan Müller, the Bavarian conservatives’ parliamentary leader in Berlin, said on Thursday that there was no reason to relax the heightened security measures at places such as the Reichstag parliamentary building.

“The danger level that was the reason a few weeks ago for heightened security precautions in the parliamentary district, has not changed,” he said.

In November, Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière warned of “concrete” evidence that Germany faced imminent attacks from Islamic extremists, prompting authorities to boost security at the Reichstag in Berlin as well as transport hubs around the country.

Regardless of any existing state of high alert, authorities also had to consider “how the overall security architecture around the parliament can be optimised,” he said.

Police in late November closed the popular Reichstag dome and roof to visitors unless they had booked on a tour in advance. The historic building is also protected by temporary fencing patrolled by armed police.

Müller said he favoured a security overhaul including a separate visitor security centre where tourists could be screened before entering the building.

“When you look at the high number of people going in who are screened each day, the question arises how you change the system,” he said.

DPA/The Local/djw

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also