Hubig Proposes Legal Reforms to Address Everyday Items as Terror Weapons

In response to the increasing use of common items such as cars and knives in terrorist attacks, Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig has introduced proposals to modify existing laws. The initiative aims to classify the planning of terrorist acts involving these everyday items as serious offenses, reflecting recent trends in criminal activity.

According to the proposed legislation, individuals who prepare to commit acts of terrorism using ordinary items will face stricter penalties. This comes amidst rising concerns about the methods employed in recent attacks, wherein vehicles and knives have become preferred tools for perpetrators.

Moreover, the plans extend to individuals traveling abroad for the purpose of receiving training in terrorism. Such actions will be categorized as severe threats to state security, with proposed penalties ranging from six months to ten years of imprisonment for offenders. This legal adjustment aims to deter those seeking to gain skills for committing acts of terror upon their return to Germany.

The reform also targets the financing of terrorism, aiming to introduce stricter regulations and penalties for those found guilty of supporting terror-related activities financially. In a related vein, Hubig's proposals include harsher consequences for individuals spying on behalf of foreign governments. The suggested changes would increase the potential prison sentence from the current five years to a range of six months to ten years, while lesser offenses may still incur shorter sentences or fines.

The Ministry of Justice has stated that these measures respond to the heightened threat posed by foreign intelligence services, particularly following the escalation of conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The existing legal framework has been deemed inadequate in addressing the evolving landscape of national security threats.

In addition to the proposed legal changes, the government plans to enhance investigative capabilities, including allowing specific covert operations such as online surveillance and the interception of communications. These measures are intended to bolster the effectiveness of security agencies in identifying potential threats before they materialize.

The Police Union (GdP) has welcomed the proposed reforms but emphasized that merely increasing penalties is insufficient. They argue that it is crucial for security agencies to have the resources and capabilities necessary to identify potential offenders proactively. This includes investment in skilled personnel, modern technical equipment, and the legal authority to utilize advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, for surveillance and monitoring purposes.