Iranian Exiles in Germany Face Regime's Deadly Reach

Iran's secret services are actively targeting dissidents living in Germany, according to security officials. The agents are part of a campaign that has caused thousands of deaths since mass protests began in Iran. The Islamic Republic's intelligence operations abroad are now a major focus for German police. These secret services are believed to hunt down critics of the regime who have fled the country. German authorities report a rise in attempted kidnappings and threats on German soil. The goal is often to force exiles to return to Iran or to silence them permanently. This situation places Germany in a difficult position. The country must protect the right to asylum while confronting a hostile foreign intelligence network operating within its borders. Security measures have been increased around known exile communities.