German police reportedly to conduct 'secret' home searches, according to media
According to a draft reviewed by Der Spiegel, the German Federal Criminal Police Office may soon be granted permission to conduct covert entry and search of residences. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Concerns have been raised by critics regarding the potential implementation of Stasi-style surveillance methods.
The German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) may soon gain the ability to conduct secret entries and searches of homes, according to a draft reform proposal obtained by Der Spiegel and RND.
The proposed measures would allow the police to install spyware on the devices of suspects and undertake covert home searches. These powers are expected to be reserved for exceptional situations.
In defense of the initiative, the Interior Ministry has stated that the BKA is crucial in addressing threats from international terrorism. While a spokesperson declined to elaborate on the specifics of the draft, they emphasized to Der Spiegel on Wednesday that security agencies need appropriate powers to effectively tackle evolving threats.
Critics argue that such extensive interventions could erode the rule of law, noting that the sanctity of the home is protected by Article 13 of the German constitution. Presently, searches can only be executed with a warrant from the prosecutor's office unless there is an “imminent threat,” and police are required to inform individuals of any particular suspicions and the purpose behind the search.
The Free Democratic Party has expressed opposition to what they term “Stasi 2.0,” with Bundestag member Manuel Hoferlin emphasizing the need for “adequate and powerful investigative tools,” while also underscoring concerns related to the secrecy of the searches.
The German Association of Journalists (DJV) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed measures, with Federal Chairman Mika Beuster warning that secret break-ins could adversely impact journalists and whistleblowers, echoing tactics seen in “police states.”
Conversely, Konstantin von Notz, the vice-chair of the Greens in the Bundestag, has supported the proposals, arguing that the BKA requires modern investigative powers and resources in these “serious times.”
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
The German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) may soon gain the ability to conduct secret entries and searches of homes, according to a draft reform proposal obtained by Der Spiegel and RND.
The proposed measures would allow the police to install spyware on the devices of suspects and undertake covert home searches. These powers are expected to be reserved for exceptional situations.
In defense of the initiative, the Interior Ministry has stated that the BKA is crucial in addressing threats from international terrorism. While a spokesperson declined to elaborate on the specifics of the draft, they emphasized to Der Spiegel on Wednesday that security agencies need appropriate powers to effectively tackle evolving threats.
Critics argue that such extensive interventions could erode the rule of law, noting that the sanctity of the home is protected by Article 13 of the German constitution. Presently, searches can only be executed with a warrant from the prosecutor's office unless there is an “imminent threat,” and police are required to inform individuals of any particular suspicions and the purpose behind the search.
The Free Democratic Party has expressed opposition to what they term “Stasi 2.0,” with Bundestag member Manuel Hoferlin emphasizing the need for “adequate and powerful investigative tools,” while also underscoring concerns related to the secrecy of the searches.
The German Association of Journalists (DJV) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed measures, with Federal Chairman Mika Beuster warning that secret break-ins could adversely impact journalists and whistleblowers, echoing tactics seen in “police states.”
Conversely, Konstantin von Notz, the vice-chair of the Greens in the Bundestag, has supported the proposals, arguing that the BKA requires modern investigative powers and resources in these “serious times.”
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
