Bild: dpa | Sina Schuldt
Bremen responded to the attack in Solingen with a knife ban and video surveillance at the Freimarkt. And the responsible authorities are considering further steps.
“After Solingen, we have to adapt the security concept for the folk festivals and especially for the Freimarkt,” demanded Economics Senator Kristina Vogt (Left Party) at the meeting of the Economic Deputation. How this can be done beyond the measures already put in place is something the Economics and Interior Ministry want to explore in talks next week.
Vogt did not name any specific measures. However, expanding video surveillance and entry controls could be conceivable. State Councilor Maike Frese also made it clear at the meeting that there will be no security concept like at airports, where all people, bags and backpacks are checked.
Video surveillance at Freimarkt continues
Bremen had previously planned a knife ban at folk festivals in response to the attack in Solingen. In the city of Bremen, the police are recording an increasing number of crimes involving knives, argues the economic authority. Between 2022 and 2023, the number rose by 13 percent to a total of 315. In addition, knives have often been found during checks at Bremen folk festivals in recent years, the authority says.
The Bremen local law must be changed for the ban to be introduced. Only the citizens can do this. The Interior Deputation is discussing the planned knife ban. Another component of the security concept is also being discussed in the committee: this involves the Freimarkt being monitored by video surveillance, as was the case last year.
This year, the Freimarkt will take place from October 18 to November 3. More than a million visitors are expected. Just over a week ago, a man killed three people and injured eight with a knife at a town festival in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia.
This topic in the program:
Bremen Eins, News, September 4, 2024, 9 a.m.
