Germany warns against anti-refugee incitement following student murder
The rape and murder of a 19-year-old German student has raised concerns over a possible anti-refugee backlash.
The body of the young woman was found on a river bank in the south western German town of Freiburg in October.
Tests now reveal that DNA samples appear to link a 17-year-old Afghan boy to the spot where she was attacked. The youth who arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor last year has been arrested.
Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has warned Germans via social media not to exploit the crime “for incitement and conspiracy propaganda”.
Chancellor Angela Merkel ‘s open door policy which last year saw in a massive influx of migrants has fuelled tensions in the country over immigration.
The anti-immigration and anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) has since gained ground in local elections.
In the past two years there has been an escalation of attacks on migrant hostels with some even set alight.
Regarding the recent murder, a government spokesman has said the culprit must be punished if guilty but all refugees must not be held responsible.