NCJ Number
77554
Date Published
1979
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The nature and operations of West German terrorist organizations are discussed, and the German government's counterinsurgency tactics are described.
Abstract
The three centers of activity of German terrorism are the Red Army Faction, the June 2 Movement, and the Revolutionary cells. The Red Army Faction is the most dangerous of the three. It has the most consequential political aims, the most convincing ideological conception, and the greatest criminal potential. It also receives support from groups that have not yet contravened the law. The success of the security authorities in dealing with the terrorist groups has depended to a great extent on support and information from citizens. This information was lacking during the logistic buildup of the Red Army Faction between 1970 and 1972. When the state showed that it was determined to counteract terrorism through large-scale searches, information from the population was more forthcoming. After the escalation of violence in 1975, the willingness of citizens to help the security authorities decreased. The arrest of about 90 German terrorists has shown that such groups can be sought out and destroyed by democratic means. Laws under which terrorists are prosecuted include a 1971 law prescribing not less than 5 years imprisonment for the hijacking of or attacks on planes; increased penalties for hostage-taking, and a 1976 law against the support and encouragement of serious violent crime. Other relevant laws include a 1976 law providing greater penalties for membership in a terrorist organization, a 1977 law preventing contacts between arrested terrorists and their defending lawyers if this increases the chances of freeing the prisoner, and a 1978 law allowing for the search of all apartments in a apartment building. The overall government policy has been to provide security for vulnerable persons and institutions, to give constant attention to terrorist organizations in the use of intelligence resources, and to take a decisive government attitude toward terrorists. One note is provided.