Germany Tightens Security Following Deadly Attack

Germany's coalition government announced stringent security and asylum measures following a deadly stabbing attack linked to ISIS. Tighter gun regulations, stricter asylum rules, and enhanced law enforcement powers aim to prevent future attacks. The package seeks to combat extremism and address far-right criticism ahead of state elections.

Germany's coalition government has agreed to implement tighter security and asylum policies in the wake of a deadly stabbing attack linked to the Islamic State militant group. The attack, which resulted in three deaths and eight injuries, occurred during a festival celebrating Solingen's 650 years and has intensified far-right opposition to Berlin's migration policies.

The new security measures include stricter gun regulations, a general ban on switchblades, and an absolute ban on knives at public events. Federal law officers will now be authorized to use Tasers, and new federal agencies will oversee background checks for weapon permits to prevent extremists from obtaining weapons.

The government will also introduce stricter asylum and residency laws, including lowering the threshold for severe deportation crimes and tightening exclusion criteria for asylum seekers. Asylum seekers with claims in other European countries will be excluded from benefits in Germany, and refugees visiting their home countries without valid reasons risk losing their protection status. Additionally, the government will push for reforms to the Common European Asylum System and enhance its domestic intelligence agency's powers.

(With inputs from agencies.)