The police in Chemnitz, Saxony, have achieved a significant manhunt success. A 17-year-old teenager of Syrian nationality, suspected of having made anti-Semitic threats, was identified following a public manhunt. The case had attracted widespread attention and emphasises the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in the fight against crime.
On October 11, an incident took place during a demonstration against Hamas terror in the Gaza Strip, which was also attended by a 68-year-old Jewish senior citizen. A group chanting anti-Semitic slogans approached the demonstrators. From this group, the young person, who has now been identified, is said to have threatened the elderly lady with death because of her Jewish faith.
The police reacted immediately to the incident and launched a public manhunt, which was supported by the publication of a photo of the suspect. The efforts quickly proved successful: within a few hours of the photo being published, the criminal investigation department received numerous tips. In the end, the wanted teenager handed herself in to the police.
This case illustrates several important points: the determination of the police in prosecuting hate crimes, the role of the public in supporting investigations and the need to firmly oppose anti-Semitism.