Attack on Berlin Politician Sparks Alarm Over Rising Political Violence
May 9, 2024![Attack on Berlin Politician Sparks Alarm Over Rising Political Violence](https://cdn.brief.news/images/stories/1bec08b02b32185f8880c6a95208a40f998410af97b1505f276ef2dfac1eb4a45035ec0febe933cc226c46456552f608e95ec6d9f7fea1c7d7b697b402f2b51e.png)
Franziska Giffey, a Berlin politician, was attacked in a library, sustaining minor injuries from a bag containing a hard object.
The 74-year-old assailant with a history of related offenses has been detained in a psychiatric facility, while the motive remains under investigation.
A trend of violence against politicians in Germany has escalated, coinciding with recent election campaigns in Berlin and Dresden.
Officials like NRW-Minister Reul and State Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan express alarm over the growing hostility in society and the impact on political engagement.
There are calls for heightened police protection for political figures and events, amidst concerns about the police's capacity due to staffing shortages.
The increasing violence and decreased tolerance in political discourse, exacerbated by social media, are leading to a reluctance to participate in politics and community initiatives.
Summary based on 56 sources
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Sources
![Olaf Scholz condemns attacks on politicians after third assault in a week](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/5f21dd90d55e6663e08305dc6f468f99cf48886f2934ff6eae2ddf053b9c1d5ee318c99f9d735b7221c3aef7f5f349c4a06870327a84a6197cb49602981aa662.png)
The Guardian • May 8, 2024
Olaf Scholz condemns attacks on politicians after third assault in a week![Berlin senator attacked amid wave of assaults on German politicians – Europe live](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/1bec08b02b32185f8880c6a95208a40f998410af97b1505f276ef2dfac1eb4a45035ec0febe933cc226c46456552f608e95ec6d9f7fea1c7d7b697b402f2b51e.png)
The Guardian • May 8, 2024
Berlin senator attacked amid wave of assaults on German politicians – Europe live![Germany weighs tougher penalties for violence against legislators](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/c5664b384468ff6c535ee43d6288211dc7d6cdf77fd883c1c8b0ab07b72e3974164fa71280de22e6fa553e91d61c595dc2f2cdebb80508772bb42dc54967d8e5.jpg)
Yahoo News • May 8, 2024
Germany weighs tougher penalties for violence against legislators