Overview
- Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has circulated a draft law to increase minimum prison terms for assaults on police, firefighters and rescue personnel.
- The proposal sets at least six months for assaults, a one‑year minimum for ambush‑style attacks, and removes the option of fines for obstructing emergency operations.
- The draft would extend equal criminal protection to medical staff beyond emergency departments and emergency on‑call scenarios.
- Association chair Frank Flake says courts already can impose up to five years, argues maximums are seldom used, and criticizes lengthy proceedings that dilute deterrence.
- Recent reports cite rising incidents against responders and 35 injured officers in Berlin on New Year’s, while SPD lawmakers back tougher laws but press for more justice staff to accelerate cases.