Germany's Merz backs restricting movement of potential criminals after Berlin attack

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for limiting the freedom of movement for individuals deemed potential threats to public safety, following a fatal attack at Berlin's LGBTQ+ Pride event. The suspect, Abdul Ballout, is accused of killing one woman and injuring 29 others in a vehicle attack on Saturday.

"In my view, we must limit the freedom of movement of these potential criminals as much as possible when we cannot keep them in prison," Merz stated at a press conference in Berlin. He emphasized that while it is too early to draw definitive political conclusions from the "brutal attack," authorities must act with "calmness and determination."

Merz has directed Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt to examine potential legislative changes, stressing the need for cooperation with the federal states, as the surveillance of dangerous individuals falls under their jurisdiction. He questioned how someone with Ballout's background could be in a position to carry out such an attack.

Ballout had been sentenced in May to one year in prison for, among other offenses, intending to carry out an attack against state security and spreading propaganda for the Islamic State. The prosecution had appealed for a longer sentence, but Ballout was released on probation after serving six months in pre-trial detention and was participating in a deradicalization program. Berlin's mayor, Kai Wegner, identified the fatality as a Polish woman visiting the city with her daughter. The injured are reportedly recovering.

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In my view, we must limit the freedom of movement of these potential criminals as much as possible when we cannot keep them in prison.