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Germany on high alert

Jessie WingardJanuary 10, 2015

Following the twin terrorist attacks in Paris, Germany's Federal Criminal Police Agency (BKA) has enacted an emergency plan in a bid to prevent a similar attack at home. Persons of interest are being closely monitored.

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Image: picture-alliance/dpa/W. Pfeiffer

German news magazine "Der Spiegel" reported state and federal security agencies had been instructed to locate the whereabouts of Islamic or other relevant people of interest.

A BKA spokesperson refused to comment on the claim, but said there were 260 Islamic extremists or persons of interest who would be more closely watched following events in France.

The agency also confirmed there is no indication of a potential terrorist attack in Germany, however, the danger remains high.

"Focus Online" also reported a BKA paper outlined that events critical of Islam could be the impetus for motivated violence against individuals, media representatives, public security agencies and their staff. The perpetrators aim for "the highest number of victims and the maximum infrastructural and economic damage," the online news agency reported the paper as saying.

Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group leader Thomas Oppermann said Germany's security agencies need to be on top of things. Checks will be made whether personnel and material resources are adequate should an attack occur.

Radicals who attend terrorist training camps, are members of a terrorist organization, or plan an attack will be severely punished under German law.