Meaning: Otto Schily, a former German politician and public servant, made the quote "Arresting and detaining these dangerous people can make sense, at least until a final decision is reached on their deportation. However, such detention must always be subject to time limits and court review." This quote encapsulates a complex and often contentious issue in the realm of immigration and national security. Schily's statement reflects the need to balance national security concerns with the protection of individual rights and the rule of law.

The notion of "arresting and detaining these dangerous people" refers to individuals who are deemed to pose a threat to public safety or national security. This could include individuals who have been implicated in criminal activities, those with suspected ties to terrorist organizations, or individuals who have violated immigration laws. The decision to detain such individuals is often driven by the need to mitigate potential risks to the community and prevent them from absconding before deportation proceedings can be completed.

Schily's assertion that detention "must always be subject to time limits and court review" underscores the importance of accountability and due process in the treatment of detainees. Imposing time limits on detention serves to prevent indefinite or arbitrary incarceration, ensuring that individuals are not held in custody without just cause. Additionally, the requirement for court review introduces a judicial oversight mechanism to assess the necessity and legality of continued detention, thereby safeguarding against potential abuses of power by immigration authorities.

The underlying principle behind Schily's statement is the recognition of the inherent tension between national security imperatives and the protection of individual rights. On one hand, governments have a responsibility to safeguard their citizens and residents from threats posed by dangerous individuals. This may necessitate the use of detention as a means of preempting potential harm and facilitating deportation processes. On the other hand, fundamental rights such as the presumption of innocence, the right to due process, and protection against arbitrary detention are integral components of a just and democratic society.

The context in which Schily made this statement is crucial to understanding its significance. As a former interior minister of Germany, Schily grappled with the challenges of addressing security threats while upholding the rule of law. His experiences in navigating the complexities of immigration policy and counterterrorism efforts likely informed his perspective on the need for a balanced approach to the detention of "dangerous people."

Moreover, Schily's stance reflects broader debates and legal frameworks relating to the detention of individuals in the context of immigration and national security. Across various jurisdictions, there is ongoing discourse about the appropriate use of detention, the establishment of procedural safeguards, and the role of judicial oversight in immigration-related matters. These discussions are shaped by a multitude of factors, including evolving security threats, humanitarian considerations, and international legal obligations.

It is noteworthy that Schily's emphasis on time limits and court review aligns with established human rights standards and legal principles. International instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and regional human rights conventions emphasize the right to liberty and security of person, the prohibition of arbitrary detention, and the entitlement to fair and impartial judicial proceedings. These norms underscore the importance of constraining the use of detention and ensuring effective legal remedies for individuals subjected to deprivation of liberty.

In conclusion, Otto Schily's quote encapsulates the complexities inherent in the detention of individuals deemed to pose security risks in the context of immigration. It underscores the delicate balance between security imperatives and the protection of individual rights, advocating for the imposition of time limits and judicial oversight to temper the exercise of detention powers. By highlighting the need for accountability and legal scrutiny in the treatment of detainees, Schily's statement contributes to ongoing discussions on the intersection of national security, immigration policy, and human rights.