Bavaria police law faces constitutional review in Karlsruhe

Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe began hearings on the Bavarian Police Tasks Act (PAG), examining whether several provisions violate the constitution. The court is reviewing a complaint and a norm‑control suit brought by civil‑society groups and members of the Bundestag, focusing on the law’s “threatening danger” clause that allows police to act before a concrete risk materialises.

Critics argue the clause is vague and permits extensive surveillance, phone‑tapping and computer checks outside terrorist cases. The court is also assessing the legality of preventive detention – up to two months, extendable by another month – used to avert serious offenses, a measure previously invoked against climate‑protest activists. Additionally, the permissible use of explosive devices such as hand‑grenades by police is under scrutiny.

The Bavarian interior minister defends the law as necessary to protect public safety, while legal scholars and opposition parties warn it could infringe fundamental rights. A judgment is expected in the coming months.