Germany plans tougher penalties for espionage and terrorism
Germany plans to strengthen espionage penalties (Getty Images)
Germany's Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection intends to introduce a new bill that will toughen penalties for terrorism and espionage on behalf of foreign states, reports Spiegel.
Among other things, the new draft law provides for more comprehensive punishment for preparing terrorist attacks. The law also aims to implement European anti-terrorism recommendations into German legislation. In addition, criminal liability for the activities of "intelligence agents" will be strengthened.
"Terrorists, extremists, and authoritarian regimes are attacking our freedom. The proposed law is a clear response to this. We will continue to develop criminal legislation and adapt it to new threats," said Minister Stefanie Hubig.
Tougher penalties for terrorism
In particular, sections of the criminal code defining punishment for preparing terrorist crimes will be amended. In the future, the legislation will also include cases where an attack is planned using vehicles.
Germany's Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection also aims to criminalize repeated entry into the country with the intent to commit a terrorist offense.
Crackdown on espionage
To combat espionage, the criminal offense related to the activities of "intelligence agents" will be strengthened. This is likely aimed primarily at growing Russian threats.
The amendment also seeks to permit certain covert investigative measures, particularly necessary for prosecuting members of foreign intelligence services. These include online searches and acoustic surveillance of residential premises.
Espionage cases in Europe
UK government, due to an espionage threat from Beijing, is considering reducing the number of Chinese citizens allowed to enter the country for official purposes.
A Russian citizen residing in Narva was sentenced to 6,5 years in prison for spying for the FSB, violating sanctions, and providing false information to Estonian authorities.
In addition, Russian agents are also suspected of sabotaging underwater communication cables and gas pipelines, particularly in the Baltic region. This has led European countries to sign an agreement to protect undersea infrastructure.
