Germany's Green Party urges science-backed crime policies over tougher laws
Every year, the release of the federal crime statistics sparks the same oversimplified debate on shaky data: migration is declared the root of the problem, rather than analyzing causes in a nuanced way, Irene Mihalic, parliamentary manager of the Green Party's Bundestag group, told the Rheinische Post (Monday edition).
The lawmaker and former police officer said: "Anyone serious about security must not act on gut instinct but should base decisions on criminological evidence and invest specifically in prevention." This means tackling poverty, expanding school social work, and engaging in outreach to men. "After all, young men continue to be the primary offenders. At the same time, where crimes are committed, the rule of law must act decisively."
Together with Konstantin von Notz and Misbah Khan, Mihalic has authored a four-page policy paper titled "Three Paths Against Violence: Prevent. Enforce. Support," from which the newspaper quotes. The document identifies key risk factors as poverty, unemployment, lack of prospects, social exclusion, mental illness, and early exposure to violence.
Misbah Khan, deputy chair of the Green Party's parliamentary group, added: "Violence is a security issue, but it cannot be addressed through policing and prosecution alone. It is high time we refocus on prevention, victim support, and social work. Or to put it simply: those who cut social spending should not be surprised by social upheaval."
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