• Germany edition
Politics
Protesters at Berlin's Tegel airport. Photo: DPA

Pirate Party protests 'naked' scanners in their underpants

Published: 11 Jan 10 10:45 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20100111-24493.html

Scantily clad Pirate Party supporters demonstrated over the weekend at several German airports to show their opposition to controversial “naked” scanners planned for security checks.

Despite the frigid temperatures outside, the protesters assembled nearly naked groups at airports in Berlin, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf on Sunday afternoon. The participants stripped down to their underpants, marching behinds signs that read: “No need to scan us – we’re already naked.”

A statement on the party's website said they opposed the new security scanners because they threaten the “private sphere and the personal rights of passengers.”

Germany's data protection commissioner, Peter Schaar, warned officials last week not to rush the implementation of the full-body scanners at airport security stations following a failed terrorist attack in the US last month. Critics are concerned that the devices, which allow security personnel to see through clothing, have not been improved enough to protect passengers' personal rights.

Meanwhile Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives said use of the scanners would be fast-tracked for introduction within the year.

The German Pirate Party was inspired by the Swedish Piratpartiet and founded in 2006. In the September 2009 federal election they garnered two percent of the vote.

The Local (news@thelocal.de)

What do you think? Leave your comment below.


Your comments about this article:

11:53 January 11, 2010 by Kayak
Sorry, but aint that the point? You don't need to take off your clothes if they use a scanner. It would be very difficult to sneak a bomb onto a plane if you were naked... I am missing something here?
12:44 January 11, 2010 by Heinrich der Zweite
A right lot of andy pandys who've got problems with their testimonials. What a load of bo..ocks.
12:59 January 11, 2010 by MaKo
Frankly, I would rather have some security offcials scan my junk, than have my junk unceremoniously scattered over the Atlantic.
13:05 January 11, 2010 by Dave Rogers
Most of them look like they couldnt afford a flight anyway.......

I am all for the scanner's
14:08 January 11, 2010 by airborne1092
Photo-shopped in?

No, no. She DOES appear to be REALLY pasty-white.
15:49 January 11, 2010 by hkypuck
Give me a break with this privacy crap! Trust me folks, the security people aren't getting real "turned on" looking at the average person's silhouette. In fact, based on this photo, I feel bad for the scanner operators - they have to stare at these beasts all day (and these are the young folks, imagine granny in her knickers? yuck!)

I'd be willing to bet that these same "prudes" are the ones running around naked at the Love Parade.

Hypocritical? Any reason to get together and protest something I guess....
16:41 January 11, 2010 by Henckel
@hkypuck: What's wrong with granny in her knickers?
17:59 January 11, 2010 by dcgi
These people look like "professional protesters" to me, I imagine they go quite mad if they aren't on a march at least once a week.
00:18 January 12, 2010 by maxbrando
I believe the proper point is that Europeans, Germans in particular, are grossly offended that they are placed on the same level as U.S.A. citizens. "How dare you compare us to the USA." This air of superiority has been the engine of "student" superiority for decades. The truth is, that if you ow want to get on an airplane, you need to show yourself like at Auschwitz. How did they feel?? HAH!!!
03:15 January 12, 2010 by Gaspard
I honestly congratulate these people as standing up to their privacy rights being violated--and really, these scanners (which are being employed obviously in other countries besides Germany) are very much unlawful. It saddens me that these abominable "policies" are being implemented without regard for people's rights.
03:22 January 12, 2010 by waylon360
As our founding fathers here in the U.S. said, those who sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither and will lose both. For those of you willing to give up your rights and conform to this Orwellian system we're undergoing, look into government sponsored terrorism. Watch terrorstorm. Look into the sharp dressed man who escorted the underwear bomber passed security and onto the plane... which means, no matter what security there was, it wouldn't have been effective since it was bypassed!
04:09 January 12, 2010 by Outlander
People protest to raise awareness to issues that may have been covered up by powers that be. People also often feel so powerless to disagree with the decisions of their own government as there are less and less viable avenues to have a voice of any significance to enact change.

At what point do the people realise that the government who are hired to serve them are in no way influenced by the population but only special interests?
07:02 January 12, 2010 by Guglielmo
"Those whom choose to give up liberty for security deserve neither." Benjamin Franklin
08:47 January 12, 2010 by Bazza Mac
Do you dummed down americans realize the body scanners will not stop at the airports.Beside the risk of cancer. Thankfully a lot have and they are fighting for your constitutional rights,They are watching the gangster bankers and who voted for what and trying to replace them with constitutional anti war freedom candidates.Do you realize your commie president is trying to Bankrupt your country and sell you the people to the one world govt.The awakened have realized there is no difference Btween the dems and repbs,the only people saying different are spooks[al CIA du]and sheeple.At the minute you have the best govt money can buy.turn of the tv and and get the real news on the internett,you can start by google NWO.
12:56 January 12, 2010 by adipk
First of all, now its drama to capture a person in plane. I dont thing so the security is so loose to get on board with out checking. and on airport security persons always check the luggage and persons. so come to point that son of bitch was not alone to take the things to plane there must be some one who assist him.

any way my concern is , who give the surety that these images will not loose and go to Internet. if its not good for than?

For me its just to sell million dollars equipment and to make money thats all.
19:29 January 12, 2010 by daredevil1
@Bazza Mac ...it's good that you're getting the word out but don't have to cite Alex Jones word for word.
22:45 January 12, 2010 by cycle63
I flew through the airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma and they were testing these scanners. I was unaware of what they were actually doing. If I would have known I would have went through the other line.

While this may be more secure, I do not see it as being safe for the person.
13:52 January 13, 2010 by Naked_Jimmy
Help continue the fight for our privacy by joining the Facebook group:

REFUSE THE NAKED BODY-SCANNER!

Together we can stand against this Tyranny!
15:49 January 13, 2010 by Ariannis
Airports won't be the only place these insideous machines will go. Soon they will be prevalent everywhere in the guise of keeping people safe.

From what I have heard they HAD these scanners in Amsterdam and it still didn't STOP this supposed terrorist. This is nothing more than a corporate "wet dream" to reap in profits.

I say these kids had some moxy to get out there in chilly temps to protest for OUR rights. If we let the powers that be "make" us go through these scanners then we've lost all our rights to be a free human being.
01:01 January 16, 2010 by Thames
When we have the Pirate Party on our side how can the Taliban win?
ADD YOUR COMMENT   (YOU MUST LOG IN OR REGISTER TO MAKE A COMMENT)
Today's headlines
Photo: DPA

Most Germans optimistic about the future

Although less than 50 percent of Germans are optimistic about their current situation, more than half think their future will be better and the number of pessimists in the country dropped, a survey released on Saturday showed. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Organic food stores expand rapidly

Organic food and health stores are undergoing a hefty expansion in Germany, with the Vitalia chain taking over several locations from the bankrupt Schlecker drugstore chain in Munich alone. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Friedrich wants hate preachers expelled

Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich has called for the expulsion of Islamic religious leaders who preach hate and said Germany’s laws must be changed to accomplish that. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Russians top asylum seekers to Germany

The number of asylum seekers in Germany rose once again in April and was nearly three times higher than last year, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees said on Friday, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Economists warn against German euro exit

While a third of Germans would rather pay with the old Deutsche mark than the euro, economists warn that a German exit from the currency union would result in a disaster. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Survey: Half of gays harassed in Germany

Nearly 50 percent of German lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents reported being harassed and/or discriminated against last year, a study on the European Union’s LGBT community released on Friday and published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung showed. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Burning ship had tonnes of radioactive material

After a freighter went up in flames at the start of the month while carrying radioactive material into Hamburg's harbour, it has emerged that the German port city receives such hazardous cargo up to seven times a month. READ () »

Photo: CDU

Christian Democrats set up political donation ATM

Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats have installed a automated teller machine for political donations up to €100 at their HQ. The election campaign gag attracts tourists paying a few euros for the receipt it spits out. READ () »

More Politics
RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTER AND ALERTS
Highlights
Photo: DPA
SOCIETY »
Harmless pink fun or a bad influence on young girls? A life-size Barbie dream house attraction opened in Berlin to protests including a topless woman burning a doll in effigy.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
At his final heartbeat I knew I had to act. Our German of the Week is Tina K., who, after her brother was beaten to death, has been campaigning for an end to street violence in Berlin.
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
The Local List: Ten German words with double meanings
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
The Local's English-language movie listings for Germany
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
Conflict is part of the fabric of Berlin, but the city's "Peacemaker" soothes things over. Jessica Ware tracked him down for a chat.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
It might be politically toxic, but it's time to hit the brakes on Germany's reckless driving culture, argues The Local's Ben Knight.
Photo: M&S
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Move over Berlin: why London is Germany's new fashion capital
Photo: Private
OPINION »
For this edition of My German Career, former US military man turned armed guard Keith Alban talks about leaving home in search of a better quality of life.
Photo: Katie Needs
SOCIETY »
Offseason, Germany's largest island Rügen might not top many peoples' list of dream holidays. But as The Local discovered, its quiet beauty makes it worth a trip to escape city bustle.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
Confused about the hundreds of euros missing from your pay packet? Don't panic - the latest in The Local's JobTalk series looks at German social security payments.
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
Is that your Handy ringing? This week's Local List takes a look at 12 misused English words in German.
Photo: A Peoples' Picture
LIFESTYLE »
An American is stirring up creative spontaneity in Dresden by leaving disposable cameras around for strangers' use, before collecting them and displaying the results online.
Photo: Private
LIFESTYLE »
After it was revealed that Angela Merkel had a Polish grandfather, Matthew Luxmoore set out to find where she could connect to her roots in Berlin's sizable Polish community.
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
Why isn't everyone wearing Lederhosen? It's easy for foreigners to stereotype Germany, but this week's Local List is dedicated to debunking common myths.
Photo: Private
OPINION »
The last time Si Liberman saw Berlin, he was thousands of feet in the air on a US bombing raid over Nazi Germany. Nearly seven decades later, he returned to the city.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
What are the hidden rules of etiquette foreigners need to watch out for while doing business in Germany? The Local's JobTalk series has tips for keeping on the right side of your colleagues.
Photo: DPA
NATIONAL »
All of The Local's 'Germans of the Week' so far
Photo: DPA
NATIONAL »
Every town and city from The Local's My Germany series
Furniture Leasing Corporation
SPONSORED ARTICLE
The furniture-free way to relocate to Germany
Photo: Henrik Trygg/imagebank.sweden.se
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Top five reasons to enrol on an Executive MBA



Latest news from The Local in France

More news from France at thelocal.fr

Latest news from The Local in Norway

More news from Norway at thelocal.no

Latest news from The Local in Sweden

More news from Sweden at thelocal.se

Latest news from The Local in Switzerland

More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch

See all ads | Join the Marketplace

Jobs in Germany, in English

842 jobs available
609 new jobs this week
24 new jobs today

ALL JOBS »

Blog
Essentials

Dating
Looking for your own blonde bombshell? Or is the strong, silent type more your style? Find a German sweetheart here.

Weather
"After clouds comes clear weather," say the Germans. But what about after that? Find out in The Local's weather section.

Blog
German stuff that's distracting us today.

Noticeboard
Whether you want to buy, sell, hire, announce or promote something, here's the place to do it - completely free of charge.

Discuss
Debate the news, ask for advice, make friends - or just let off steam.

Search News


Register

Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss

REGISTER FOR FREE »

News from the Goethe-Institut
News from Young Germany
  • German first feature film in Cannes
    A directorial debut from Germany makes it to the competition “Un Certain Regard” at the famous film festival on the Côte d’Azur.
  • Traveling Germany: Europa-Park
    Think theme parks:Roller coasters, colorful rides, entertainment, thrills. Think Germany: Europa-Park is the largest amusement park in the country, second in Europe only to Disneyland Paris.
  • Frankfurt – the digital hub
    The Internet hub in Frankfurt am Main is the largest in the world and places Germany in a leading position in the digital world.
  • The European Year of Citizens
    2013 is the European Year of Citizens. They‘re invited to contribute their ideas for the EU, and to discover more about their rights as EU citizens. An example: labour mobility.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle: In Photos
    Neuschwanstein is the most popular tourist attraction in Germany. And for good reason. King Ludwig II's castle looks like it fell out of a book of fairy tales.
News from DeutschlandOnline

Toytown Germany
Germany's English-speaking crowd
Trade CFDs with InterTrader.com
Start trading shares, equities, forex, etc. No commission on equities; Low min. margins. Apply for a CFDs account now!
Little house in Spain
'Charming, old, beamed cottage for holiday let in Jesus Pobre, Alicante, Spain
www.littlehouseinspain.com/
Albatross Insurance
Professional and qualified consultancy on all insurance and finance matters in Germany, Telephone: +49 2163 571 1740, Email: bg@albatross-assurance.com
www.albatross-assurance.com
Hotel reservations in Berlin
Visiting Berlin anytime soon? Book your hotel in Berlin here.
Rental apartments in Berlin
For home-from-home holiday accommodation, search for a Berlin apartment to rent.