Overview

• Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have submitted a proposal to allow DNA analysis to determine biogeographical ancestry in criminal investigations.
• The proposed change aims to narrow suspect pools and expedite investigations in serious crimes like murder and sexual offenses.
• Critics, including the German Bar Association, argue the measure risks racial profiling and discrimination against minority groups.
• Supporters point to successful use of similar methods in countries like the Netherlands, where it helped solve a high-profile murder case.
• The proposal will be discussed at the Justice Ministers' Conference in June 2025, requiring federal legal adjustments for implementation.