The German Federal Ministry of Justice, under Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD), is planning stricter penalties for individuals involved in terrorist activities and foreign espionage. According to a draft proposal reported by “Bild” newspaper, the initiative aims to align German law with European Union regulations and enhance national security.
The proposed legislation focuses on proactively addressing potential threats by criminalizing actions previously considered preparatory stages to terrorist offenses. This includes individuals entering Germany with the intent to commit a terrorist act and those preparing attacks using vehicles or potentially dangerous implements such as knives.
Furthermore, the draft would expand existing legal avenues for investigating foreign intelligence agents operating within Germany. Provisions include the possibility of wiretapping the residences of suspected spies and conducting online searches. The legislation also intends to introduce penalties for agents of foreign services who engage in the surveillance of individuals residing in Germany.
Minister Hubig stated that the planned legal adjustments represent an evolution of criminal law designed to accommodate emerging security threats. The goal, she emphasized, is to empower law enforcement agencies to intervene earlier and to penalize the preparation of both terrorist acts and what are described as hybrid warfare operations, ultimately contributing to increased safety and security within the country.