German Chancellor Angela Merkel, has called for a change in the country’s migrant laws.
Merkel Calls for Tougher Migrant Laws
Merkel seeks to make it easier to deport asylum seekers who commit crimes in the country.
This comes after a series of sex attacks against women in Cologne the fourth largest city in Germany, on New Year’s eve.
According to the victims, the attacks were carried out by men of North African and Arab appearance.
“When crimes are committed, and people place themselves outside the law… there must be consequences” Merkel said.
Under current German laws, asylum seekers are only forcibly sent back if they have been sentenced to at least three years’ imprisonment, and providing their lives are not at risk in their countries of origin.
Merkel’s open door migrant policy has faced criticism and she is having a hard time to reassure an increasingly pessimistic public that she has a long-term plan.