Berlin (dadp) – Following anti-Semitic attacks in Berlin on the part of groups belonging to the extreme right, Berlin’s Senator for Immigration, Dilek Kolat (SDP) has decided that action needs to be taken.
Reporter Christina Schultzer spoke with the Senator, who was born in Turkey, about the possible dangers to the welfare of society, the failure to train criminal prosecutors, and the possibilities of political intervention.
Question: Does the sharp rise in incidents point to an escalation on the part of the extreme right?
Kolat: The number of attacks by right wing extremists doubled in 2011 by comparison to 2010. The new development is that they are attacking private homes of democrats. The number of attacks on offices of the democratic parties has reached new dimensions. Indeed, it is possible to speak about an escalation.
Question: What are the possible reasons for this?
Kolat: In Berlin the experts have observed that during the past few years there has been a growing militancy on the part of the extreme right. There are many reasons for this. An important role is being played by the uncompromising attitude of civil society, the political system and the police, as well as the prohibitions applying to the formation of far right groups. Such measures are apparently causing a backlash. Nevertheless, it is important to restrict the extreme right’s areas of activity through these prohibitions. We shall not allow the extreme right to gain the upper hand in Berlin.
Question: Has there been any reaction to the concern felt by Jews and immigrants as a result of these attacks?
Kolat: For certain groups the anti-Semitic and extreme right wing violence poses a danger even if it doesn’t affect everyone. The murders perpetrated by a national socialist inspired terrorist group has increased insecurity and undermined confidence in the law enforcement authorities. It seems today that the extreme right’s intension is to frighten those members of civil society who are taking action.
Question: Does the rise in the number of incidents constitute a threat to public welfare?
Kolat: This situation of continuing conflict does indeed pose a threat to the democratic culture in our city. We must do everything we can in order to stop these attacks. Expressions of solidarity with those who have been injured and long-term preventative action are also important.
Question: Does the Senate in Berlin need to be doing more?
Kolat: The Senate has created a strong basis for supporting initiatives through “the national program to defeat manifestations of far right activity, racism and anti-Semitism” which orchestrates preventative action against the extreme right. Teams of consultants give specific advice to members of the community, victims receive professional assistance from experts in the field, educational projects are recommended to schools and various activities on the subject to youth organizations.
Question: Isn’t it also important for the subject of anti-Semitism to be discussed amongst the immigrant population, especially following the attack on the Rabbi?
Kolat: The shocking assault against the Rabbi highlighted the need to take up the subject of anti-Semitism and racism with persons having an immigrant background. A national educational initiative has also been launched on this subject. But perhaps we should enable educational institutions in Berlin to have easier access to such materials.
Question: Can any successful results be shown in the struggle against the extreme right?
Kolat: Our programs have denied extreme right-wing forces the opportunity to build a solid constituency, a proposition which is also supported by the election results. We are doing everything in order to limit the level of violence. Regrettably however, hate crimes have become a reality in free society that will never completely disappear. An unceasing war must be waged against them.
Question: Are law enforcement officers acting with sufficient consistency?
Kolat: My impression is that there is no consistency in the knowledge and sensitivity demonstrated by officers when investigating extreme right wing and racist crimes. I have noticed for example that in Weitlingkiez in the Lichtenberg district, the police have taken decisive action against the extreme right. In other parts of the city there have been reports of victims who have suffered violence at the hands of the extreme right because certain policemen are firmly accusing them. This must not happen.
Question: Is this enough?
Kolat: It seems that the debate regarding the operative steps which need to be taken following the series of murders relates only in a unilateral way to the composition of the security forces, when it’s clear that what we really need is reform designed to achieve intercultural openness within the intelligence services. It appears that the Minister of the Interior is ignoring these aspects. The lack of sensitivity towards right wing violence is alarming. The “missing person” campaign, which is ostensibly designed to expose Moslem extremists, also demonstrates a lack of intercultural sensitivity.
Question: What needs to happen?
Kolat: It’s not enough to improve the transfer of information between the authorities while the guidance being given regarding intercultural skills and knowledge about the extreme right are inadequate. The development of educational programs within the law enforcement authorities needs to be reexamined.
Question: Do you have any further recommendations?
Kolat: I support the recommendation of the Public Complaints Commissioner, Barbara John that past victims of extreme right violence should serve as independent advisors to whom complaints could then be referred. The police might also benefit from their service. The city of Berlin intends in March to alter the criminal law relating to acts of violence against certain population groups and to impose more stringent sentences on those perpetrating them.
Question: Doesn’t the civilian population have a duty to raise the flag against the extreme right and anti-Semitism?
Kolat: Various organizations exist in Berlin which act to promote democratic culture in their areas. The problem is that because of their peripheral location in the city, people in the center are unaware of their activities. A positive example is Weitlingkiez, in which residents, businessmen, police and officials have succeeded in suppressing the extreme right since the 1990’s.
Question: But this requires a long breath. Can the political system interfere in a supportive way?
Kolat: My office is currently working on a recruitment platform model designed to assist local promoters in advertising themselves throughout the city. In addition to this, civil courage is needed to combat daily manifestations of racism. Positive examples are for instance “this is a non-racist school” or expressions of solidarity with victims seeking refuge in stores. The ideal situation would be if more people were to take a flannel and clean anti-Semitic graffiti off the walls of buildings in their neighborhood.
