Germany announces tougher measures on bladed weapons and aid for asylum seekers

“The attack in Solingen has deeply shocked us.” The German government announced at a press conference in Berlin on Thursday 29 August a tightening of the laws on the carrying of bladed weapons, in response to the deadly attack six days ago. The carrying of bladed weapons will be banned during public gatherings – festivals and fairs – as well as on long-distance transport (trains but also buses), specified German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

The latter also announced the removal of aid for asylum seekers who entered another EU country before coming to Germany. “We are working to quickly achieve the possibility of deporting dangerous criminals to Afghanistan and Syria”she added.

The knife attack that occurred on Friday evening during community festivities in Solingen left three people dead. The main suspect, who was imprisoned after his arrest, is a 26-year-old Syrian, who is believed to have links to the jihadist organisation Islamic State.

The attack has brought debates over immigration and public security back to the forefront in Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition – the Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals – are under pressure ahead of two regional elections in eastern Germany on Sunday that could see the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) triumph.