German federal police have been training Saudi Arabian forces in how to deal with protesters, according to a report by Fakt shown on German tv on May 30. Officially, the police officers are aiding in border security, but the report showed classified documents and anonymous German police saying that their job goes beyond the official government description.

Even the police’s border security mission is controversial in Germany. Their presence is linked to a contract with eads subsidiary Cassidian to provide border monitoring equipment—including infrared cameras, laser sensors and ground radar—to Saudi Arabia.

The German Interior Ministry stated that 79 police officers have traveled to Saudi Arabia as part of this program. Under German law, police can travel overseas like this, but if the military were to go to Saudi Arabia to train it would require parliamentary approval.

The possibility that German police are being sent to Saudi Arabia as part of a business deal with an arms company has already provoked criticism in Germany. Now that they have been uncovered to be helping crack down on rebellious elements, that criticism is growing louder. Fakt reported that the police are giving lessons in searching and occupying houses as well as dealing with uprisings and protests.

A German Interior Ministry spokesman said that Saudi Arabia is one of Germany’s most important strategic partners in the Middle East, especially with regards to fighting terrorism. Helping Saudi Arabia fight Shiite uprisings would certainly help Germany as it helps defend Saudi Arabia from Iranian-backed agitators.

Last week, Trumpet columnist Robert Morley wrote, “As we see Saudi Arabia and the other [Gulf Cooperation Council] member states seek to incorporate more allies to protect themselves from Iran, also watch for them to begin reaching out to Germany and the Europeans for protection.” We can see this happening already.