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Suspect arrested after attack on Berlin senator – Europe live | Germany

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Suspect arrested after Berlin politician injured

A 74-year-old was then arrested in Germany Franziska Giffeya Berlin senator and former mayor, was injured when a man hit her from behind with a heavy object in a local library.

Citing police, Reuters reported that the suspect was previously known to law enforcement for hate crimes and unspecified incidents against state security and was also believed to suffer from mental health problems.

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Key events

A German Interior Ministry spokesman condemned an attack on a Green Party political candidate in Dresden, Reuters reported.

“The danger is even greater” for politicians in municipalities that generally do not have police protection, the spokesman said, adding: “There is a climate of intimidation and sometimes violence, and we do not want to accept that.”

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Suspect arrested after Berlin politician injured

A 74-year-old was then arrested in Germany Franziska Giffeya Berlin senator and former mayor, was injured when a man hit her from behind with a heavy object in a local library.

Citing police, Reuters reported that the suspect was previously known to law enforcement for hate crimes and unspecified incidents against state security and was also believed to suffer from mental health problems.

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Updated on

Ursula von der Leyenthe leading candidate of the center-right European People’s Party in the European elections and current President of the European Commission, has spoken out about the safety of politicians.

“We must protect everyone who works for our democratic society and our country from attacks – no matter what party they belong to, whether privately, in the election campaign or in the exercise of their duties, day and night,” said von der Leyen, reported the German wave.

We must protect everyone who stands up for our democracy.

No matter which party.

During the election campaign or in the exercise of their offices.

Because if these people are no longer safe, our democracy will no longer be safe.

Perpetrators must feel the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/CAEv5UOX8P

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen_epp) May 8, 2024

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And here is the letter:

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Dispute over letter condemning right-wing extremists

Lisa O'Carroll

Lisa O’Carroll

A row has broken out among political parties in Europe after the centre-right group joined the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Heard refused to sign a letter condemning the far right and a series of recent attacks on politicians in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Ireland.

The letter calls on von der Leyen to “reject any normalization, cooperation or alliance with far-right and radical parties” and condemns a physical attack on a German center-left politician Matthias Corner He was “severely injured” after he was allegedly attacked by four young men while putting up campaign posters.

Another attack on a German Green MP is also cited Kai Gehring and a local Essen politician who was punched in the face, and the targeted attacks on the homes of politicians in Belgium and party headquarters in Spain.

The open letter was signed by five of the main political parties in the European Parliament.

But the largest group representing conservative parties refused.

French MEP Valerie HayerChairman of the centrist group Renew Europe, which is supported by Emmanuel MacronShe said she very much regrets “that the EPP did not sign the declaration.” This calls into question their commitment to the common fight against destructive, right-wing extremist forces. We urge the EPP to reconsider and join this pro-European commitment.”

The EPP leader, Manfred Webersaid: “Our principles are clear: we only cooperate with parties that are pro-European, pro-Ukrainian and pro-rule of law.”

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The Left Party in the European Parliament said: “The rise of the far right in Europe represents a threat to our fundamental rights and freedoms.”

“The Left strongly condemns the brutal attack on MEP Matthias Ecke. “This was an attack on all citizens, on democracy itself,” it continued.

The rise of the extreme right in Europe is a threat to our fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Left strongly condemns the brutal attack on MEP Matthias Ecke. This was an attack on all citizens, on democracy itself.

Read more 👉 https://t.co/kmt7mNL8z7 pic.twitter.com/fOODV6yoxM

— The Left in the European Parliament (@Left_EU) May 8, 2024

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The Socialist Group in the European Parliament said today: “When far-right activists attacked our comrade Matthias Ecke in Dresden last week, they did not just attack an elected representative. They have attacked our democracy and our freedoms.”

“We will never give in to extremist violence and hatred. We stand in solidarity with Matthias and everyone who continues to work for an open, democratic society. Now and always,” the group added.

When right-wing extremist activists attacked our comrade Matthias Ecke in Dresden last week, they did not just attack an elected representative. They have attacked our democracy and our freedoms.

We will never give in to extremist violence and hatred. We stand in solidarity with Matthias and… pic.twitter.com/1mNCkXVFY4

– S&D Group (@TheProgressives) May 8, 2024

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In Germany there is increasing discussion about physical and verbal attacks on politicians.

DW has published footage showing a Green Party politician being harassed and spat on in Dresden.

DW exclusive: This is the moment a Green Party politician was physically harassed and spat on in the East German city of Dresden. Yvonne Mosler was hanging posters on Tuesday when the incident occurred. pic.twitter.com/pYSajYyCWP

— DW Politics (@dw_politics) May 8, 2024

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In a long thread on social media: Franziska GiffeyA Berlin senator who was hit with a heavy object said she would continue her work but was concerned that politically active people were increasingly under attack.

Concentrating on this conversation, I suddenly felt a hard blow to my head and neck from behind. A man attacked me with a bag filled with hard contents.

After the initial shock, I can say I’m fine.

— Franziska Giffey (@FranziskaGiffey) May 8, 2024

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The Berlin senator was hit on the head during attacks on German politicians

Franziska GiffeyA Berlin senator and former mayor was injured when a man hit her from behind with a heavy object in a local library, police said today, Reuters reported.

Giffey, economics minister and SPD MP, was hit on the head and neck with a bag containing something hard, the police statement said. Giffey had to go to the hospital for a short time.

The attack comes as concern grows in Germany over a spate of attacks on politicians.

Four German teenagers are being investigated for a violent attack Matthias Cornera Social Democrat MEP, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Ecke was kicked and knocked to the ground on Friday evening as he hung posters for the SPD in the eastern city of Dresden.

Gertrud Hass Library in Alt-Rudow the day after the attack Attack on Franziska Giffey, Rudow, Berlin. Photo: dts News Agency Germany/REX/Shutterstock
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