Wrote: Etrit Rexhepi
A video has been published with a caption claiming that Germany will close its borders with all countries from September 16th.
This content was posted yesterday (September 15) on TikTok by an account named "elementistudio".
What is the truth?
From the audio of this material, it is understood that it is about the implementation of a decision by the German state, which increases controls along the border with all countries.
Link to the video material published by the "elementistudio" account (see here)
Audio transcribed from the video:
"From September 16th, checks will be introduced at all border crossings throughout Germany, including airports. All of you who want to travel to Germany should be aware that there may be increased checks at the airports you are going to. Don't be surprised if you find longer lines and don't be surprised if you have checks. Why are these checks being carried out? Germany has decided to prevent and limit the arrival of illegal migrants and false asylum seekers in Germany, and one of the reasons is of course the security situation, because there have been several terrorist attacks in Germany recently and there have been numerous attacks in fact. Therefore, please keep in mind, from September 16th, at all border crossings in Germany, at land crossings, at air crossings, at airports as well as at ports, for those who eventually travel..."
Hibrid.info has found that the audio was taken from a video published on journalist Bahri Cani's Facebook account, where he is seen explaining the German state's decision (see here).
After researching using search engines, it was found that Germany's decision was also reported by credible international media, which announced it through articles (see here and here).
What does border closure mean?
Based on searches in the Google search engine, articles were found indicating that a closed border is a border that prevents the movement of people between different jurisdictions with limited or no exceptions related to this movement (see here and here).
Examples of closed borders include the cases between North Korea and South Korea, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Moldova in relation to Russia, etc. (see here).
Hibrid.info has found an article titled "'The end of Schengen': Germany's new border controls put EU unity at risk.” on “TheGuardian.co.uk”, which views the German decision with suspicion.
To prove that Germany has not made a decision to close its borders with neighboring countries (all members of the Schengen Area), hibrid.info has used as evidence the fact that this country is part of the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries where free movement between them is guaranteed.
Analyze:
The claim that Germany has closed its borders is incorrect.
Hibrid.info has found that this country has decided to increase control at its borders, which has been interpreted as border closures.
Based on its work methodology, hibrid.info assesses this content as "Disinformation".
Reasoning:
"Disinformation" is defined as information content that contains a "mix" of inaccurate sources or even half-truthful attributes, and that is created and/or distributed with the deliberate intention of causing harm. The motive behind the producers/distributors of disinformation content lies in achieving a political, financial, psychological or social goal.