The federal government is planning tougher penalties for attacks on emergency services and employees

The federal government wants to punish attacks on bus drivers, train attendants, police officers, paramedics and doctors more harshly. The cabinet has now launched the corresponding draft law from Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD).

“Those who keep our country running deserve our protection,” emphasized Hubig. Attacks on emergency services, employees in local transport, in clinics and practices are increasing. That's why it's important to send the signal now that this violence will not go unanswered. More professional groups should be protected and prison sentences increased.

Reaction to the death of a train attendant

The Ministry of Justice presented a first draft for better protection for people whose work serves the common good at the end of 2025. The issue received additional attention in February: a train attendant was attacked while checking tickets and died. The case caused consternation nationwide.

There are now five attacks a day on the railway, said Hubig on Deutschlandfunk. Where such attacks occur regularly, the state must protect people particularly.

Ultimately, it is also about protecting the functioning of the state: It is clear that these attacks are not just about attacking individuals, but "those who ensure that the state runs," said Hubig.

Higher minimum sentence for attacks

The minimum sentence for attacks on police officers, bailiffs, firefighters and paramedics is to increase from three to six months in prison. In particularly serious cases, at least one year in prison is envisaged.

The draft provides for up to five years in prison for resisting law enforcement officers. Particularly severe cases are regulated separately. Resistance to law enforcement officers is currently punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine. In particularly severe cases, up to five years is possible.

Railway employees, but also employees of other important infrastructure companies, such as electricity or water supply, should be better protected under criminal law in the future. Anyone who attacks them should face the same punishments as if they attacked a law enforcement officer.

Violence in practices and clinics

Physical attacks on healthcare professionals carry a prison sentence of at least six months, and in particularly serious cases one to ten years. Medical professionals include doctors, nursing staff and pharmacists. Previously, special penal provisions for medical staff only applied to work in the emergency medical service or in the emergency room.

And the protection of officials and elected officials should also be increased. When politicians are attacked, courts should expressly take into account when sentencing whether the act is likely to significantly impair an activity that serves the public good. This could be relevant, for example, if attacks or threats intimidate public officials or elected officials and make their work more difficult.

Those responsible at local and European levels would be expressly included. Local councilors and mayors should also be protected from coercion through violence or the threat of violence.