Ashcroft Visits Berlin, Praises Anti-Terror Law

Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft praised a newly enacted German law that allows authorities to ban religious organizations used as fronts for extremists, saying Friday that it was a necessary measure in the war on terrorism.

The law, which took effect Dec. 8, was brought about after authorities investigating possible connections to the Sept. 11 attacks said they were being hamstrung in their efforts by strict legislation protecting religious freedoms.

Interior Minister Otto Schily made quick use of the new law, on Wednesday banning an Islamic organization he accused of being a “breeding ground for terrorists” and saying the legislation could lead to the expulsion of many extremists who have been granted asylum in Germany.

“We commend Germany for its actions to provide greater opportunity to detect and disrupt terrorism through a better framework of laws in Germany,” Ashcroft said after meeting with Schily to talk about the legislation and Germany’s overall investigation into the attacks, which U.S. and German authorities believe were planned by a terrorist cell of Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network in the German city of Hamburg.

Later in the day, the German government passed an even broader anti-terrorism package that will take effect Jan. 1.

Under the new laws, law enforcement agencies will be allowed to request information from financial institutions, telecommunications companies and airlines--all of which was previously prohibited under the country’s data protection statute.

The new package also makes it easier to deport foreign extremists living in Germany and allows for the addition of biometrics--such as a fingerprint--to passports and identity documents, and the addition of sky marshals on airline flights.

Ashcroft’s short trip through Europe began in Britain, continued through Spain and Germany and ends in Italy--four countries believed to be key logistics points for the men who hijacked the planes used in the U.S. attacks.

Later Friday, Ashcroft met in Rome with Italian Justice Minister Roberto Castelli at the U.S. ambassador’s residence. He planned to meet today with Interior Minister Claudio Scajola.

Arrests of people accused of having direct links to the Sept. 11 attacks have been made in Britain, Germany and Spain, and Italian authorities have several men in custody who are believed to be part of Al Qaeda, including Essid Sami Ben Khemais, the suspected head of Bin Laden’s European logistical operation, according to local prosecutors.