After targeting a synagogue .. Measures in Germany to face the "far-right terrorism untold"

Germany's interior ministers have approved a package of measures to fight the far-right, and domestic intelligence has acknowledged that it faces particular challenges in the presence of right-wing currents and the ongoing conflict in Syria, after an attack on a synagogue.

Interior ministers from 16 states met Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer on Friday in Berlin to discuss measures to counter what they call "the far-right terrorism that is being silenced."

The meeting approved a package of legislation to be presented to the cabinet next week.

"I would like to point out that the threat from far-right Germany, terrorism and anti-Semitism is very serious. I have said this for months and I have been really asking to be taken seriously, we really need to highlight all the areas where we can act In a preventive and resolute manner. "

On the other hand, the German Press Agency reported that the Federal Bureau of Criminal Police had assessed the threat situation posed by right-wing extremism since June 2018 as "similar" to the threat posed by "Islamic terrorism".

Challenges
Thomas Haldenfang, head of the Federal Authority for the Protection of the Constitution (Internal Intelligence), told Der Spiegel magazine that he believes his institution faces particular challenges in the presence of right-wing currents and the ongoing conflict in northern Syria.

The wing of the Alternative for Germany (EFD) party - the right-wing opposition group classified by the CPA as a "state of suspicion" within the scope of right-wing extremism - continues to drift toward extremism.

Andreas Kalbits, head of the Brandenburg Party in Brandenburg, has not disowned his past. He has been involved in far-right activities more than once.

"The conflict in northern Syria could lead to the release of foreign fighters from prisons and their return to Europe, without anyone noticing at worst," Haldenfang warned of the risk of ISIS followers returning after the US pulled out of Syria.

On Wednesday, an armed man tried to sneak into a synagogue in the city of Halle to attack about 50 people during the Jewish Yom Kippur celebration. When he failed, he shot at people in the street, killing two people inside a restaurant and injuring others.

The defendant, who is currently in pre-trial detention, has confessed to the crime and his far-right anti-Jewish motives.