European securityGermans should watch for signs of radicalization among their acquaintances: German interior minister

Thomas de Maiziere, Germany’s interior minister, said in an interview with German newspaper Rheinische Post on Wednesday that “between us we must prepare ourselves for individual attacks, as well as mixed attacks such as those in Paris and internationally organized attacks, and not only for one of these scenarios.”

“In society we also need increased vigilance, if relatives, neighbors, or friends radicalize themselves,” he added.

“That has to be part of our security architecture. Sharing such evidence with the authorities is essential for thwarting terrorist attacks,” de Maiziere said, adding that radicalization of potential terrorists takes places not only online, but also often begins in a person’s social sphere.

DW notes that de Maiziere’s comments came one day after a French Islamist killed a French police commander and his partner in a Paris suburb.

De Maiziere met with his French counterpart Bernard Cazeneuve in Paris on Wednesday discuss French-German cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The two also discussed soccer fans’ hooliganism which made the areas near a few of the soccer stadium where the Europe 2016 are being played look like war zones.

After attending the French cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning, de Maiziere said he found it “outrageous” when so-called “fans” have nothing else in mind except to “beat, kick and abuse” other people.

“And that under the influence of alcohol too,” de Maiziere added.

De Maiziere was later due to meet with police authorities who have been deployed at the ongoing football tournament.

In a brief press conference with Cazeneuve, de Maziere told reporters that he had “complete trust in [France’s] security authorities and police.”

“We will do everything possible to ensure that football remains the focus in this tournament, and not security,” de Maiziere said.