JRS Germany reacts to suspected arson attack

(Vatican Radio) In Germany, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) said on Tuesday (25th August) there had been outrage among the nation's population to a suspected arson attack against a school gymnasium in Nauen near Berlin which was intended as a temporary shelter for asylum seekers.

The blaze followed protests against asylum seekers by far-right demonstrators in the area.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier condemned violent protests by far-right activists against an asylum shelter in the eastern town of Heidenau, near Dresden, at the weekend.

Stefan Kessler is the Policy Officer for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Germany and he spoke to Susy Hodges about JRS’ reaction to this latest suspected arson attack.

Listen to the interview with Stefan Kessler: 

Kessler said the suspected arson attack near Berlin had been condemned by Germany’s leading politicians and had caused “outrage” in the general public.  He said JRS has been very “vocal” in advocating for all asylum seekers and those in need of protection to be given access to proper asylum procedures.  Asylum seekers, he continued, have the right to be “treated with respect and the right to a fair and proper asylum procedure” and said he hoped Chancellor Merkel would deliver that message during her visit to the town of Heidenau near Dresden and not just repeat her earlier condemnation of the zenophobic attacks.