The military has been tremendously important in the past during catastrophes and in protecting the population. But it shouldn't become an auxiliary police force.

prison camp in Cuba as a terror suspect. After Gerhard Schröder became chancellor in 1998 he appointed Schily Minister of the Interior. While he gained popularity and respect for acting according to his own moral principles some accused him of supporting the radicals' goals.

He is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).