For months, the German capital has been experiencing unprecedented acts of violence. Shots are fired almost every day in some place in the city. Investigators warn that it is only a matter of time before bystanders are injured or killed in gang clashes.
On Friday, the Berlin Office of the Interior published its latest report on clan crime. The data it contains is alarming. In Berlin, as many as 685 people are currently associated with this phenomenon – an 11 percent increase. more than in the previous year. The number of registered crimes increased to 952 and the number of suspects to 342.
However, at least as noteworthy as the development of crime is the approach of political decision-makers to it.
The Berlin Office of the Interior once again decided on a specific form of communication: the report was simply published on the Internet without any announcement. There was no press conference. Neither Senator for Interior Iris Spranger (SPD), nor Police Chief Barbara Slowik Meisel, nor the head of the National Criminal Office answered journalists' questions.
It is on this point that questions would be at least appropriate. Instead, the impression is that they want to end the debate as quietly as possible. Meanwhile, these data are far from flattering for Spranger and Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU). Wegner likes to present himself as a pro-law and order politician. Just a few weeks ago, he was photographed wearing a protective vest during a raid in the Neukolln district of Berlin.
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It was already clear that his PR activities were a double-edged sword. While Wegner was “inspecting” Neukolln, shots were fired in another district of the capital, Kreuzberg.
The data just published is something like a work report. Wegner and Spranger began their terms in office with a promise to provide greater security. In an election year, it must be admitted that both of them suffered partial defeat in this respect. For months, Berlin has been experiencing a series of shootings and acts of violence. Shots are fired somewhere in the city almost every day. Investigators have long warned that it is only a matter of time before bystanders are injured or killed in conflicts between rival groups.
Politicians hide their heads in the sand
What is even more surprising is the silence of those responsible. Instead of answering critical questions, Spranger recently sent her police chief to the Home Affairs Committee. There she had to explain why there were supposedly “no signs of gang warfare” in Berlin.
The internal administration's justification for canceling the press conference is particularly instructive. The aim was to prevent premature disclosure or misinterpretation of the content of an unfavorable analysis – this is briefly the answer given to journalists.
This is noteworthy. Because the obvious response to possible misinterpretations would be not less, but more information.
Whoever has political responsibility for the internal security of a metropolis with a million inhabitants cannot appear only when cameras are present during a raid. It must also explain the situation when the balance sheet turns out to be worse than expected. However, instead of providing these answers, those responsible have their heads in the sand.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
