Numerous US Air Force drone missions – including so-called assassination missions – fly above the US Ramstein air base in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Two claimants from Yemen see the German government as having a duty because, according to international law, it must actually prevent the killing of civilians. The highest court in Karlsruhe must now decide this explosive issue.
The government sees the lawsuit as a threat to Germany’s ability to act in foreign policy. If simply because of the deployment, Germany is obliged “to control operations worldwide according to the standards of its own understanding of international law,” this will have significant consequences for the military’s ability to form an alliance, said Undersecretary of Defense Thomas Hitschler on the sidelines. of the negotiations, which started on Tuesday in Karlsruhe. “A strong American troop presence in Germany is essential,” he warned of a withdrawal of American troops if the constitutional complaint were successful.
Lawyer: ‘It’s about the lives of the complainants’
The lawyer for the Yemeni citizens, who were not present in Karlsruhe, said: “What is at stake is nothing less than the lives of the complainants.” Two of their close relatives were killed in a drone strike on al-Qaeda members in 2012. including a preacher. As citizens, they too lived in constant fear. Germany is a link in these operations and must guarantee the protection of civilians under international law.
Even before the hearing, the Defense Department had pointed out that the U.S. drones were not launched, controlled or controlled from Germany. Instead, the data for remote control of the drones is provided via a satellite relay station in Ramstein. In addition, the federal government has repeatedly sought assurances that the U.S. military was complying with applicable law.
A ruling is expected within a few months
The Court’s Second Senate questioned both the plaintiffs and the government for more than two hours about Germany’s obligations to protect third countries’ compliance with international humanitarian law abroad. The Karlsruhe judges decided three years ago that German authorities such as the Federal Intelligence Service must also respect German fundamental rights abroad. At the time, it was left unclear whether Germany also has protective obligations when third countries operate abroad if they maintain a base in Germany. The court must now decide that. The judge’s decision is expected within a few months.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
