Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht told parliament that anti-Semitism would be made an aggravating factor for hate crimes in the criminal code. The current law mentions discrimination against particular groups as an aggravating factor but does not refer to anti-Semitism specifically. "I am ashamed that Jews in Germany no longer feel safe and that so many are even thinking of leaving the country," Lambrecht told parliament. Anti-Semitic offences rose by almost 10 percent in Germany last year, withviolent attacks going up more than 60 percent, according to preliminary policedata released in February. Among these were 62 violent offences that left 43 people injured, up from 37 physical attacks the previous year, the data showed.

Source: The Local November 28, 2019 16:30 UTC