Germany launches hotline for refugees facing foreign harassment
Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has launched a special hotline for people who sought refuge in the country after fleeing authoritarian states, including Russia, China, and Iran, Reuters reported on Aug. 20.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Germany's intelligence agency, has introduced a special hotline for refugees from authoritarian states, including Russia, China, and Iran, according to Reuters on August 20. The hotline aims to assist individuals who, despite moving to Germany, may still face persecution from their countries of origin.
This includes dissidents, journalists, activists, and others who may be vulnerable to pressure from authoritarian regimes. The BfV provided a 16-page guide outlining the hotline's purpose and the support it offers. Information provided by hotline users will assist the BfV in addressing specific threats and understanding how foreign states persecute their citizens abroad.
The agency warned that the collected data could be used to identify those involved in intimidation or persecution, as well as to prevent potential attacks. The hotline's launch coincides with Germany's consideration of expanding the powers of its intelligence services to tackle foreign operations, cyberattacks, and hybrid threats.
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