Germany Launches Hotline for Exiles Facing Threats from Home Countries

The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has opened a hotline for people in Germany who are exiles from Russia, China, Iran, and other authoritarian countries. These individuals, including dissidents, journalists, and LGBTQ community members, may face intimidation, surveillance, or other threats from representatives of repressive regimes. The hotline, advertised in a 16-page brochure, encourages affected individuals to share information to help BfV analyze repressive strategies and potentially prevent specific threats. This initiative comes amid Berlin's efforts to expand intelligence agencies' powers to counter foreign interference and hybrid threats.