Video surveillance leads to skepticism on the Knuedler
67 cameras are to be installed in the main -city district of Bonneweg in the future. “I don't need to emphasize that we advise a positive statement. But of course everyone is free to express their opinion, ”said Mayor Lydie Polfer (DP). Six municipal councils then take the opportunity to take the crop.
DP community council Claude Radoux is skeptical: “Video surveillance is something that you would rather not have as a liberal. But unfortunately you have to fall back on this in a modern city. » He is aware that a few cameras do not remove crime and do not make people better. But cameras would deter. He mentions that this may lead to a shift in the problems. « The citizens can be offered a better quality of life in the neighborhoods. »
Balance act between security and private sphere
Bob Biver (CSV) emphasizes the sensitivity in the installation of cameras: « The balance between security and protection of privacy must be right. » The police's impact study, which was carried out from 2020 to 2023, shows that the prevention measures must be reinforced. In 2023, 84 drug offenses, 92 burglaries and 184 thefts were registered in the examined area.
Before one of the 67 cameras hangs in Bonneweg, there is already a discussion about an expansion of video surveillance to the northern part of the quarter. This would also digitally monitor the area around Stade Achille Hammerel, the Boulevard de la Fraternité and the lost food. However, a corresponding report is not yet available.
The discussion about expanding video surveillance in the capital was on Monday there was a topic in the main town council. Photo: Anouk Antony/LW Archive
Municipal councilor François Benoy (Déi Gréng) is extremely critical of digital surveillance. “We don't proceed in a targeted manner. Everyone is recorded, ”said the local council. The Visupol law of 2021 is to be revised by the CSV DP government in order to simplify the approval process and to make it easier to add new zones. The use of artificial intelligence is also considered. « Do gi with me the alarm smell un », says Benoy.
Eywiping, wrong feeling of security and relocating the problems
For him, the question of proportionality also arises. Because the camera surveillance has already been expanded around the train station. “Has the feeling of security improved there? Is there less crime there? The answer is very clear: no, ”emphasizes Benoy. Digital monitoring is eyewashing, convey a wrong feeling of security and only leads to a shift in the problems.
The narrow line between security and control state
Gabriel Boisante (LSAP) also expresses concerns about the expansion of video surveillance. « As it is now proposed, we cannot agree ». Tom Weidig (ADR) speaks against a surveillance state, but all measures would have to be taken to combat crime.
David Wagner (Déi Lénk) is also skeptical about the cameras. 15 years ago, the then Mayor Xavier Bettel (DP) said that video surveillance was out of the question. “We have to be careful not to banalize that. Perhaps it is more of a sham solution and the citizens are actually more monitored than the criminals, ”said Wagner.
In the end, the majority vote for it, David Wagner, LSAP and Déi Gréng contain.
