BREAKING NEWS

Germany to speed up deportations after Cologne attacks

By REUTERS

JANUARY 12, 2016 20:31

BERLIN - German ministers outlined plans on Tuesday to speed up the deportation of foreigners who commit crimes, responding to sexual attacks on women by migrants in Cologne which have deepened doubts about the country's open-door refugee policy.

The assaults on New Year's Eve, which are the subject of an ongoing investigation, have emboldened right-wing groups and unsettled members of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative party, raising pressure on her to crack down forcefully on migrants who commit crimes.

Under plans unveiled by conservative Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere and Social Democrat (SPD) Justice Minister Heiko Maas, foreigners who are found guilty of committing physical and sexual assaults, resisting police or damaging property, could be deported.

Under current law, most of these crimes carry probationary sentences and do not trigger expulsion.

Merkel welcomed the agreement between the two ministers who represent different parties in her right-left coalition.

"We must make sure the law can take effect as soon as possible. First we have to think how to get the parliamentary process going as quickly as possible," conservative Merkel said.

Iranian female student who stripped in public is 'troubled'

By REUTERS

11/05/2024 12:31 PM

Over 100 patients to be evacuated from Gaza, WHO says

By REUTERS

11/05/2024 12:22 PM

Over 60 PFLP members arrested in extensive IDF, Shin Bet operation

By AVI ASHKENAZI

11/05/2024 11:34 AM

Germany arrests eight suspected members of right-wing group

By REUTERS

11/05/2024 11:15 AM