zeit.de
Berlin Guideline Details Coded Language in Antisemitic Crimes
A new Berlin police and public prosecutor's guideline on antisemitic crimes provides practical advice to law enforcement on identifying coded language and symbols frequently used by perpetrators, including numbers like 88 and 18, and phrases like "(((...)))", referencing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism.
- What coded terms and symbols are commonly used by perpetrators of antisemitic crimes in Berlin, and how does the new guideline aid in their identification?
- A new Berlin police and public prosecutor's guideline on antisemitic crimes details numerous coded terms and symbols used by perpetrators to communicate with like-minded individuals. The guideline offers practical advice to law enforcement on identifying antisemitic crimes and motives, often obscured by coded language. It uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism as a basis.
- How does the guideline utilize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism to inform its approach to investigating antisemitic crimes?
- The guideline provides examples such as calls to fight against Jews, stereotypical accusations, myths about a Jewish world conspiracy, Holocaust denial, denial of the right of the Jewish people to self-determination, and collective attribution of responsibility for Israeli politics to Jews. The context of Jewish holidays or memorials, as well as dates significant to the far-right scene and the Middle East conflict, are also highlighted as crucial for interpretation.
- What are the long-term implications of using coded language in perpetrating antisemitic crimes, and what further measures might be necessary to effectively counter this phenomenon?
- The guideline's focus on coded language, such as (((...))), 18 (Adolf Hitler), 88 (Heil Hitler), and 19/8 (Sieg Heil), reveals the sophistication of antisemitic communication and the need for ongoing training and awareness for law enforcement. The inclusion of examples from online comments demonstrates the pervasive nature of antisemitism in digital spaces and the challenge of effectively combating it.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is primarily descriptive and informative, aiming to educate on the methods used to communicate extremist ideologies. While it focuses on the methods used by perpetrators, this is necessary for understanding the issue. The headline could be improved to highlight the complexities of the issue.
Bias by Omission
The provided text focuses on coded language used by neo-Nazis and antisemites, but it omits discussion of potential counter-narratives or efforts to combat these groups. It also doesn't explore the broader societal factors that contribute to the rise of such ideologies. While space constraints might explain some omissions, a more balanced perspective would strengthen the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the release of a guide by Berlin police and prosecutors to improve the identification and prosecution of antisemitic crimes. This directly contributes to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. By enhancing law enforcement's understanding of coded language and symbols used by perpetrators, the guide strengthens institutions' capacity to prevent and address hate crimes, thus fostering safer and more just societies.