German court convicts journalist over meme
<b>Interior Minister Nancy Faeser sued over a picture that claimed she “hates freedom of expression”</b> A German district court has sentenced David Bendels, editor-in-chief of the conservative publication Deutschland-Kurier, to a suspended...
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Interior Minister Nancy Faeser sued over a picture that claimed she “hates freedom of expression”
A German district court has sentenced David Bendels, editor-in-chief of the conservative publication Deutschland-Kurier, to a suspended seven-month prison term for defaming Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser through a satirical meme.
The contentious meme, shared on Deutschland-Kurier’s X account in February 2024, depicted Faeser holding a sign altered to read: “I hate freedom of expression.” The original image included the phrase “We Remember,” linked to Holocaust remembrance efforts. Following the meme's release, Faeser’s legal team filed a criminal complaint, resulting in a fine and the Bamberg District Court's ruling on Monday.
The court found Bendels guilty under Section 188 of the German Criminal Code, which is rarely invoked and is often referred to as the “lese-majeste” or “injured majesty” law. This provision penalizes the defamation of public officials, according to reports from Deutschland-Kurier.
The court noted that Bendels had no prior criminal record, leading to the suspension of the sentence and the imposition of two years’ probation. Additionally, it reportedly mandated that he issue a written apology to Faeser.
Bendels and his legal team plan to appeal the verdict, asserting that the meme is protected under the rights to freedom of expression and the press. They contend that this case could set a worrisome precedent for journalistic freedom in Germany.
“We will not accept this verdict and will challenge it by all legal means,” Bendels stated. “Deutschland-Kurier and I will personally continue the fight for freedom of the press and expression – firmly, consistently, and with all consequences necessary for the continuation of democracy in Germany.”
Earlier this year, US Vice President J. D. Vance criticized what he described as “Orwellian” German speech laws, referring to an interview where three German state prosecutors commented on the legality of publicly or online insulting someone, which is punishable by law. This interview was broadcast by CBS, coinciding with a series of coordinated police raids throughout Germany targeting over 50 individuals accused of disseminating hate speech online.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
A German district court has sentenced David Bendels, editor-in-chief of the conservative publication Deutschland-Kurier, to a suspended seven-month prison term for defaming Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser through a satirical meme.
The contentious meme, shared on Deutschland-Kurier’s X account in February 2024, depicted Faeser holding a sign altered to read: “I hate freedom of expression.” The original image included the phrase “We Remember,” linked to Holocaust remembrance efforts. Following the meme's release, Faeser’s legal team filed a criminal complaint, resulting in a fine and the Bamberg District Court's ruling on Monday.
The court found Bendels guilty under Section 188 of the German Criminal Code, which is rarely invoked and is often referred to as the “lese-majeste” or “injured majesty” law. This provision penalizes the defamation of public officials, according to reports from Deutschland-Kurier.
The court noted that Bendels had no prior criminal record, leading to the suspension of the sentence and the imposition of two years’ probation. Additionally, it reportedly mandated that he issue a written apology to Faeser.
Bendels and his legal team plan to appeal the verdict, asserting that the meme is protected under the rights to freedom of expression and the press. They contend that this case could set a worrisome precedent for journalistic freedom in Germany.
“We will not accept this verdict and will challenge it by all legal means,” Bendels stated. “Deutschland-Kurier and I will personally continue the fight for freedom of the press and expression – firmly, consistently, and with all consequences necessary for the continuation of democracy in Germany.”
Earlier this year, US Vice President J. D. Vance criticized what he described as “Orwellian” German speech laws, referring to an interview where three German state prosecutors commented on the legality of publicly or online insulting someone, which is punishable by law. This interview was broadcast by CBS, coinciding with a series of coordinated police raids throughout Germany targeting over 50 individuals accused of disseminating hate speech online.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
