Czech Republic Strengthens Security Measures Following Berlin Attack

Sites with high concentrations of people, such as holiday markets, will see an increased police presence, say Czech officials

Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas

Written by Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas Published on 20.12.2016 10:35:56 (updated on 20.12.2016) Reading time: 1 minute

Following last night’s attack in the German capital, Czech interior minister Milan Chovanec has announced via Twitter that police presence in the Czech Republic is due to be increased:

“In agreement with the President of the Czech Parliament with immediate effect we will further strengthen security measure at sites with high concentrations of people.”

The joint decision was made with police president Tomáš Tuhý. 

Twelve people were killed and four dozen were taken to hospital after a truck plowed into a crowd at Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz Christmas market.

Investigators are saying that the driver, a 23-year-old Pakstani refugee, did so deliberately and are calling the incident a terrorist attack.

In a statement just released on the Ministry of the Interior website, Chovanec said:

“At this point, we know the identity of the perpetrator and are looking into possible links with the Czech Republic. Intelligence services have no evidence that the Czech Republic is currently threatened by increased risk. Further information will be published after a meeting of the intelligence group.”

That meeting was scheduled to take place at 10am today.

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