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German far-right met to plan ‘mass deportations’

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned an alleged far-right meeting where plans to deport millions of people, including German citizens, were discussed. The secret gathering, reported by Correctiv, included senior figures from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and neo-Nazis from Germany and Austria.

The focus was on “remigration,” the removal of individuals with non-German ethnic backgrounds. Despite the AfD officially rejecting remigration, participants reportedly expressed doubts about its feasibility, with some supporting the idea for years. Chancellor Scholz emphasized that discrimination based on ethnic origins would not be tolerated in Germany, and participants may face investigation by the intelligence agency.

Correctiv investigative outlet revealed that around 20 individuals, including senior AfD members and neo-Nazis, attended a secret meeting near Berlin to discuss the deportation of people with non-German ethnic backgrounds, even if they are citizens of Germany. The meeting reportedly took place near Potsdam last November, with Correctiv noting the participation of two members of the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) party. Although the AfD officially rejects remigration, internal contradictions were exposed by Gerrit Huy, an AfD member of the German Parliament, who affirmed the party’s commitment to remigration. The AfD confirmed the attendance of Roland Hartwig at the meeting but denied any shift in its migration policy.

Chancellor Scholz, responding to the report, stated that Germany would not allow differentiation based on immigrant backgrounds and that participants in the alleged meeting could face investigation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the domestic intelligence agency. He underscored the importance of learning from history and emphasized that discrimination based on ethnic origins would not be tolerated in the country. The far-right AfD is currently the second-largest party in Germany, trailing behind the CDU, and has faced scrutiny over its stance on immigration and alleged ties to extremist groups.

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Ousman Sonko: Gambian ex-minister goes on trial in Switzerland for murder

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A former interior minister from The Gambia, Ousman Sonko, is facing trial in Switzerland on charges of crimes against humanity. Sonko fled to Switzerland in 2016, just before the fall of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh’s repressive regime. He is accused of involvement in killings, rape, and torture, with evidence presented by NGOs leading to his arrest. Sonko’s defense argues that he was not responsible, claiming the National Intelligence Agency was behind the alleged crimes and was not under his authority.

Switzerland is utilizing universal jurisdiction to prosecute the case, allowing countries to try individuals for crimes committed elsewhere. Sonko is the highest-ranking government official in Europe to be prosecuted under this principle. The trial is seen as a potential warning to repressive governments, emphasizing that they can be held accountable even outside their borders. The extensive charges against Sonko include ordering killings, torture, and rape against political opponents, potentially constituting crimes against humanity under Swiss law.

Swiss investigators gathered evidence in The Gambia, interviewing numerous victims and witnesses. The trial marks only the second instance of Switzerland using universal jurisdiction for crimes against humanity. Human rights groups believe it serves as a precedent for accountability. Sonko, who was a key figure in Jammeh’s regime, fled to Switzerland and claimed asylum, leading to his arrest after Trial International provided details of his alleged abuses. The trial is expected to last a month, with a verdict scheduled for March. Other countries are also pursuing cases against members of Jammeh’s regime, contributing to efforts for accountability in the face of widespread abuses during his rule.

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Jewish fears as German support for Israel is challenged on streets

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Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concern and condemnation over recent antisemitic attacks in Germany during an event commemorating the anniversary of the November pogroms of 1938, also known as “Kristallnacht.” Despite Germany’s historic responsibility and diplomatic support for Israel, social discord has arisen, particularly amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The rise in antisemitism in Germany, exacerbated by incidents like the throwing of petrol bombs at a Berlin synagogue, has heightened anxiety due to the nation’s Nazi past. Cases of antisemitism were already increasing before the Hamas attacks, with a significant number attributed to the far right.

Senior politicians have called for people, especially from the political left and Muslim backgrounds, to distance themselves from Hamas actions. Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security, a fundamental aspect of its foreign policy, is facing challenges on the streets, as evidenced by protests with placards expressing dissent.

Some individuals, like Nadim Jarrar, advocate for a more open discussion on Israel’s actions, while others, such as Sami, emphasize the need to express pain about the situation in Gaza. Germany’s vice-chancellor, Robert Habeck, acknowledges that criticism of Israel is allowed but emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of Israel’s right to exist.

However, there are concerns about the integration policy in Germany, with instances of antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments surfacing during protests. Felix Klein, the government’s Commissioner for Jewish life in Germany, highlights the problem when criticism turns into hate denying Israel’s right to exist.

Despite the genuine anguish felt in Germany over the safety of Jewish people, there is also anger in some communities about the perceived reluctance of political classes to criticize Israel, contributing to a complex and evolving societal debate.

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Minister’s awkward EU summit kiss causes controversy

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Croatia’s foreign minister, Gordan Grlić-Radman, caused a stir when he greeted his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, with a kiss during an EU ministers meeting in Berlin on Thursday.

The act drew criticism from some Croatian media outlets, with women’s rights activist Rada Boric deeming it “highly inappropriate.” Grlić-Radman defended the gesture, stating that it was a “warm, human approach to a colleague” and acknowledging that it might have been perceived as awkward.

He apologized “to whoever took it that way.” As of now, Annalena Baerbock has not made any comments regarding the incident.

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German vice-chancellor Habeck hits out against rising antisemitism

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German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has pledged a strong political response to the rise of antisemitism in the country. He addressed various sources of antisemitism, including Islamists, the far right, and segments of the political left, in a widely viewed video that garnered significant attention in Germany.

Antisemitic incidents in Germany have surged in the aftermath of the 7th of October attacks in Israel, during which Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis and took more than 230 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas, resulting in significant casualties.

Habeck’s video emphasized the need to protect Jewish communities and condemned actions such as burning the Israeli flag or supporting Hamas, which are considered crimes under German law. He called for legal consequences, including possible deportation, for those involved in such activities.

While some praised Habeck’s address as a comprehensive assessment of the situation, others criticized him for suggesting that Muslim migrants and refugees were responsible for bringing antisemitism into Europe.

Germany’s Interior Minister announced a ban on all activities linked to Hamas and a pro-Palestinian network called Samidoun, citing their anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda. The move was intended to facilitate interventions in gatherings of their supporters.

Antisemitic incidents have increased by 240% in Germany since the Hamas attacks, with reports of vandalism and attacks on Jewish-owned properties. Similar incidents have also been reported in neighboring Austria.

In France, a Moldovan couple was detained for spray-painting Stars of David on walls in Paris. They claimed to have acted on behalf of a third party and are now facing expulsion. Prosecutors are investigating whether the tags were intended as an insult to the Jewish community.

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Germany Seeks Forgiveness for Colonial Atrocities in Tanzania

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed deep regret and shame for the atrocities committed by his country during the Maji Maji rebellion in Tanzania in the early 1900s. The rebellion was incited by Germany’s oppressive policies, resulting in the death of nearly 300,000 people.

Steinmeier pledged to facilitate the identification and repatriation of the remains of the uprising’s leaders, including Chief Songea Mbano, and promised cooperation with Tanzania to return cultural artifacts. The president’s apology, while welcomed, was deemed insufficient by some Tanzanian historians who emphasized the need for accountability and justice.

This gesture follows Germany’s acknowledgment of genocide in Namibia and financial reparations, while in a similar vein, King Charles of the United Kingdom acknowledged past violence in Kenya during the struggle for independence but stopped short of issuing a formal apology.

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Neuschwanstein: US man charged over deadly attack at famed German castle

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A man in the United States has been charged with severe crimes, including murder, rape, and attempted murder, following a violent assault on two American women near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany in June. The 31-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed publicly, could face a life sentence if found guilty.

According to the prosecutors, the accused enticed the 21-year-old and 22-year-old women off the trail, sexually assaulting the younger victim. A struggle ensued when the older victim attempted to intervene, leading to both women being pushed into a deep ravine. While the 21-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries, the older victim managed to survive.

Neuschwanstein Castle, a renowned tourist destination in southern Bavaria, Germany, attracts over 1.3 million visitors annually. Built in the 19th century as a royal residence, it has never been inhabited.

The incident occurred on June 14, shortly after the perpetrator encountered the two women near the Marienbrücke bridge, a popular spot for viewing the castle. He guided them to an obscure path under the guise of helping them navigate the challenging route to the bridge.

The prosecutors stated that the suspect forcefully immobilized the 21-year-old, undressing her and engaging in sexual acts. When the 22-year-old attempted to intervene, he pushed her down the slope. Although she fell around 50 meters (164 feet) and sustained multiple injuries, she managed to survive. Allegedly, the man strangled and raped the younger victim before also pushing her down the slope, resulting in her death.

The authorities apprehended the suspect later that day following an extensive search involving more than 25 law enforcement vehicles. An eyewitness, another American tourist, reported observing the suspect with scratches on his face as he walked alongside the police during the arrest.

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Israel Gaza: EU calls for ‘corridors and pauses’ for humanitarian aid

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EU leaders have urged the establishment of “corridors and pauses” to ensure the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza. Following lengthy discussions in Brussels, the leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing the necessity of safe and unimpeded access. Disagreements among member states had previously centered on the duration and structure of these pauses, with some advocating for a longer, singular cessation of hostilities.

In response to Hamas’s attack that led to significant casualties, Israel initiated airstrikes and imposed blockades on essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The health system in Gaza, operated by Hamas, has been strained to the brink, with a large number of casualties and a shortage of functioning medical facilities.

Although the aid reaching Gaza has been limited, the recent statement from the EU leaders represents a compromise among the diverse views of the 27 member states. The use of “humanitarian pauses” as brief intervals aims to allow the EU to work with regional partners to provide essential resources without being exploited by terrorist organizations, as clarified in the statement.

The decision to use the term “pauses” rather than “pause” was a result of delicate negotiations. The former was considered less likely to imply a permanent ceasefire, thereby acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense. Notably, certain member states, including Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany, which holds a strong pro-Israel stance, played a significant role in shaping the statement’s wording.

While some countries expressed disappointment at the absence of a specific call for a ceasefire, there was approval for the addition of a new line supporting the organization of an international peace conference. The proposed conference aligns with the Spanish caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier call for an international peace summit to address the long-standing conflict in the region.

Given that the EU lacks military authority, its influence is primarily diplomatic, focusing on diplomatic pressure and the provision of aid. Despite the EU’s efforts, Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, asserted that Israel would continue to make autonomous decisions regarding its actions in Gaza, based on its national interests.

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One dead after ships collide in North Sea – officials

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According to German authorities, a collision between two cargo ships off the North Sea coast of Germany has resulted in one fatality, with four others reported missing. The incident, involving the British-flagged Verity and the Bahamian Polesie, occurred at approximately 5:00 local time (3:00 GMT) on Tuesday morning.

The Verity, traveling from Bremen, Germany to Immingham, UK, is believed to have sunk, while the Polesie remains afloat. The collision occurred near Heligoland, part of the state of Schleswig-Holstein.

Rescue efforts involving the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, a German navy helicopter, water police boat, and a nearby cruise ship are underway.

The cause of the collision remains unknown, and German Transport Minister Volker Wissing has expressed gratitude to the rescue teams for their efforts in locating the missing crew members.

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Berlin Synagogue Attacked as Anti-Semitic Incidents Surge in Europe

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An uptick in anti-Semitic incidents in Europe has recently rattled Berlin’s Jewish community, culminating in a disturbing event where two petrol bombs were thrown at a synagogue. The director of the synagogue, Anna Segal, expressed the growing tensions and feelings of threat within the community.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, which occurred in the midst of violent protests in Berlin, where emergency services were targeted with projectiles and street barricades were set ablaze. Simultaneously, Lebanon’s Hezbollah called for a “day of rage” following a devastating explosion at a Gaza hospital.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany deemed this call a form of psychological terrorism that often leads to concrete attacks. The recent assault on the Berlin synagogue, which also houses a community center and a school, has heightened the community’s sense of vulnerability, with demands for better protection.

While police presence was reported at the time of the attack, a man was later detained for shouting anti-Israel slogans near the synagogue. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in France and parts of Germany were banned, with the Paris police dispersing a prohibited rally using tear gas and water cannon. In response to the surge in anti-Semitic incidents, French authorities vowed swift action against perpetrators, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the concerning rise in hate speech and vandalism targeting synagogues.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Community Security Trust (CST) in the UK also condemned the escalation of anti-Semitic acts. The CST particularly urged universities to swiftly combat anti-Semitism and safeguard Jewish students, highlighting 36 recorded incidents on campuses between October 7 and 16.

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