Security at Christmas celebrations in Germany and Austria has been tightened over fears of attacks by Islamic extremists, with tourist visits to Germany’s Cologne cathedral even banned, authorities said Sunday.
The German city of Cologne will also face security checks at midnight mass this Sunday, but a senior security official has asked people not to avoid Christmas celebrations out of fear.
Worshipers attended several religious services at Cologne Cathedral this Sunday, but tourist visits were banned the day after police searched the premises with tracking dogs for signs of a possible attack.
In the presence of several dozen officers on duty outside the cathedral, Auxiliary Bishop Rolf Steinhäuser welcomed participants in what he called “probably the safest church service in all of Germany.”
In Austria, police said security had also been stepped up at Viennese churches and Christmas markets, apparently in response to the same information about a potential threat, according to the Associated Press (AP) news agency.
Austrian police did not provide any further information, but the German press agency said, without citing a source, that the threat came from an Islamic extremist group.
Cologne police said they were taking precautions over Christmas, although the information they had was about an attack on New Year’s Eve.
“Even if it is New Year’s Eve, there are a lot of people around the cathedral, this Sunday the Christmas Eve mass is celebrated at midnight, it is one of the most visited cathedrals, and the main train station is nearby. “said police spokesman Wolfgang Baldes, speaking to reporters in front of Cologne Cathedral.
In an interview with the Cologne Archdiocese website domradio.de, the cathedral’s rector, Guido Assmann, noted that the suspension of tourist visits does not represent a major change, since such visits are not usually allowed during religious services. , which are scheduled throughout the day this Sunday.
The imposing Cologne Cathedral, whose twin towers rise 157 meters (515 ft) in height, is a major tourist destination with around six million visitors annually. It is also home to the Sanctuary of the Three Wise Men, a coffin decorated with gold and silver that is said to contain the relics of the Three Wise Men, described in the New Testament as a tribute to the newborn Jesus.
Police and cathedral authorities have asked worshipers planning to attend Mass this Sunday evening to arrive early and not to bring suitcases or bags with them.
At the same time, the Minister of the Interior of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul, appealed to citizens not to stop going to church and celebrating Christmas: “Fear is the currency of terrorists. We should not make it the most valuable.” .
“Caution must be exercised,” said Herbert Royle, but noted that the necessary safety measures are being taken.
“We are not defenseless. Our departments use all available information to protect us in the best possible way,” emphasized the Minister of the Interior of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
On December 5, European Union Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson warned that Europe faces a “huge risk of terrorist attacks” during the Christmas holidays due to the fallout from the war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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