Experts on Planned Protection of Elected Officials
Berlin, 11 November 2024 (hib) – Following a petition from the Bundestag, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) commissioned an expert opinion on the planned strengthening of the protection of elected officials. The results were presented to the Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection at a public hearing on Friday.
The experts, who included lawyers, criminologists, and political scientists, generally welcomed the government’s efforts to better protect elected officials from threats, insults, and physical attacks. However, they also identified several points of criticism and made recommendations for improvement.
Stricter Conditions for Investigation and Punishment
The proposed legislation would expand the scope of criminal offenses against elected officials and introduce stricter penalties. The experts agreed that this was necessary to deter potential perpetrators, but they also warned against creating a chilling effect on legitimate criticism.
Improved Threat Assessment and Prevention
The experts called for improved threat assessment and prevention mechanisms. They recommended that the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) be given more resources and expertise to analyze threats against elected officials and to coordinate preventive measures with other authorities.
Enhanced Training and Support for Elected Officials
The experts also emphasized the importance of enhancing training and support for elected officials to help them recognize and respond to threats. They proposed workshops, guidelines, and the establishment of a hotline or contact point where officials could report incidents and seek advice.
Better Cooperation with Social Media Platforms
The experts highlighted the role of social media platforms in spreading threats and misinformation. They recommended that the government work with these platforms to develop measures to prevent the dissemination of harmful content and to facilitate the reporting of threats.
Criticism and Recommendations
The experts criticized the proposed legislation for lacking a clear definition of “elected official” and for failing to address the protection of family members and staff of elected officials. They recommended that the definition be broadened to include all persons who perform official functions on behalf of the state or municipality, including candidates for elected office.
The experts also called for a comprehensive approach to the protection of elected officials that goes beyond criminal law measures. They recommended the establishment of a dedicated agency or commission to coordinate all aspects of protection, including prevention, threat assessment, and support services.
Next Steps
The Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection will continue to deliberate on the expert opinion and the proposed legislation. It is expected to make a recommendation to the Bundestag in early 2025.
The government has stated its commitment to strengthening the protection of elected officials and has welcomed the expert input. It is likely that the proposed legislation will be amended to address some of the concerns raised by the experts before it is submitted to the Bundestag for approval.
Sachverständige zu geplantem Schutz von Mandatsträgern
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