“This is how we are responding to reports of possible attacks near the cathedral on New Year's Eve,” police, city authorities and the archdiocese of Cologne said in a statement. In addition to special protective equipment for officers, patrol services will also be increased.
Concerns in Germany
In addition to the current terrorism alert, the aim is to prevent riots on New Year's Eve. – The 2022/2023 New Year's celebration showed that in many places it is no longer just fun, explained Cologne Police Chief Johannes Hermann. Mayor Henriette Recker asked residents to help enforce a downtown firearms ban this year.
– Cologne Cathedral is a symbol and landmark not only of the city, but also of the whole of Germany – commented the parish priest of the cathedral Fr. Guido Assman and thanked the police for their quick intervention after the first report by the Federal Criminal Office on December 21. Since then, strict security measures have been put in place.
On Christmas Day alone, more than 200 officers were stationed around the cathedral. The cathedral can only be entered through the police security gate at the saint's portal. Peter. Each guest is counted and searched by the police. Entry is allowed for religious purposes only, tourists must stay outside. These security measures will remain until the new year. According to the police, certain precautions will be observed next week for the New Year.
New Year in Berlin
Fears are also growing in Berlin that last year's riots will be repeated on the city's streets. The situation is further complicated by social tensions associated with… The war in the Gaza Strip – notes Deutsche Welle. The Berlin police are planning a large-scale operation to ensure security in the German capital.
– This is the largest police operation in recent decades. This is primarily related to the conflict in the Middle East, which forces us to act in a much more complex and difficult situation. We assume that these emotions will also show up on the streets, Berlin police chief Barbara Slowik told DPA.
Also read:
Spain: Police dispatched to attack worshipers outside abortion clinic