Hate Crimes in Germany Begin Again
Germany opened its borders to Syrian refugees and other migrants who were fleeing from their respective countries to escape the horrors that would have awaited them. In 2016 there were a total of: 3,533 attacks on migrants and asylum hotels, 2,545 attacks on individual migrants, 988 attacks on housing, and 217 attacks on refugee organizations and volunteers. A total of 560 migrants were injured including 43 children due to violent acts of aggression, or hate crimes that German citizens displayed. Nearly three-quarters of the attacks targeted migrants outside of their local government accommodated housing, while about 1,000 other attacks occurred within their homes.
Although the number of refugees seeking asylum in Germany in 2016 was an estimated 280,000, this was a drop of more than 600,000 from the previous year. The drop in refugees was due to the closure of the Balkan migrant route, an EU (European Union) deal with Turkey, and the violence against refugees.
This month, however, marks a glorious win for migrants as well as a tragic memory for many. A politician, Maik Schneider, from the far-right NPD (National Democratic Party of Germany) was sentenced for eight years with an additional 18 months for burning down a sports hall that was used to house migrants in Nauen, a town west of Berlin, in August of 2015, and for other racial crimes. Even though no one was injured in the fire, the threat of violence still looms. This racial crime caused 3.5 million euros (3.7 million USD) of damage for Germany.
The judge, Theodor Horstkötter, presiding over Maik Schneider’s case said that he was clearly motivated by his hatred of foreigners. Horstkötter told jurors during sentencing, “The attack was meant to signal to refugees: you are not welcome here, we don’t have space for you, you aren’t safe here.”
The attack carried out against refugees by Maik Schneider is just one example of the many violent acts that have and will continue occurring in Germany. The safety and well being of migrants trying to flee from impending death in their home countries depends not only on governments allowing them asylum, but the people of that country to refrain from racial attacks.