Hesse considers tougher criminal laws after Frankfurt riots

Hesse’s justice ministry is examining possible proposals for tougher criminal laws after serious rioting in Frankfurt over the weekend. More than 100 police officers were injured, dozens of arrests were made and several shops were looted.

Criminal law is largely federal, so Hesse would have to submit its proposals through the Bundesrat. Justice Minister Christian Heinz said particularly serious breaches of the peace already carry potential prison sentences of up to ten years.