Munich (dpa / lby) - After riots on New Year's Eve, in which rioters attacked police officers and rescue workers, Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) is demanding harsh penalties. He rejected a general ban on firecrackers on Monday to "Antenna Bayern" and the editorial network Germany (RND). "It's frightening how some rioters abuse New Year's Eve celebrations and endanger or even injure others with fireworks," said Herrmann.
The fact that the police, fire brigade and emergency services, who ensure our safety every day, are now also victims, underlines the unscrupulousness. "These New Year's Eve chaos must be severely punished. A noticeable reminder and, if necessary, imprisonment are appropriate."
A general ban on fireworks would also punish those who used them carefully and responsibly. That would not be effective, said the minister. "A general ban on fireworks would also not eliminate the causes, namely the brutalization of a few," said the minister, referring to the possibility for municipalities to ban fireworks in certain places.
