Germany considers law to increase punishments for attacking police

Germany considers law to increase punishments for attacking policeOfficials have said that Germany is considering a law to increase punishments for attacking police officers in response to rising violence aimed at law enforcement.

Deutsche Welle reported on Friday that the country's interior ministers have moved to create more protection for police after a government study showed violence against officers increased dramatically in the last five years.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizeire said, "Our policemen protect our freedom, our lives, and the property of all citizens, and therefore require special protection against attacks."

Ministers agreed to increase the maximum penalty from two to three years, with incidents of serious abuse, such as hitting or kicking an officer, receiving a maximum sentence of five years.

Deutsche Welle further reported that German Justice Minister Sabine Leuthhauser-Schnarrenberger said she would support the increased penalties, although she said she was "not prepared to implement a minimum prison sentence on attacks against police officers." (With Inputs from Agencies)