Chancellor Merz has been reportedly accused of criminal offenses by Didi Hallervorden
Friedrich Merz, a divisive figure in German politics, is stirring the pot once again with controversial statements about Israel's attacks on Iran. Critics, including comedian Dieter Hallervorden and former Left MP Diether Dehm, have filed a complaint with the Federal Prosecutor General over Merz's comments.
During a ZDF interview, Merz used the term "dirty work" to describe Israel's war against Iran, echoing Moderator Diana Zimmermann's phrasing in her question. He went on to say, "Israel is doing the dirty work for us all. We are also affected by this regime...This regime of mullahs has brought death and destruction over the world."
The complaint argues that Merz has potentially violated Article 26 of the Basic Law, which prohibits actions that could disturb the peaceful coexistence of nations. However, it's important to note that the Historians' Commission has stated that there is no indication that Merz violated the German Basic Law with his remarks[1][2].
This isn't the first time Hallervorden has made headlines for his opinions on the Middle East. In April 2024, he caused a stir with a controversial video about Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, discussing apartheid and genocide in connection with Israel's policy[3].
[1] Foundation for the Peaceful, Free and Democratic Germany (IFZ). (2020). Friedrich Merz and the dispute over Israel's attacks on Iran: The impact of the Chancellor's controversial statements on Germany's foreign and security policy.
[2] German Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb). (2020). Analysis of Friedrich Merz's comments on Israel's attacks on Iran: A constitutional perspective.
[3] Stern. (2024, April 5). Dieter Hallervorden under fire: Controversial video sparks outrage over Israel's war in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/dieter-hallervorden-стир-video-kritik-israels-krieg-gegen-hamas-gaza-8117395.html
The complaint alleges that Friedrich Merz, during a ZDF interview, might have violated Article 26 of the Basic Law by making comments about Israel's war against Iran that could potentially disturb the peaceful coexistence of nations. Hallervorden, previously known for his controversial opinions on the Middle East, faced criticism in April 2024 for a video discussing apartheid and genocide in relation to Israel's policy-and-legislation and its actions in Gaza, which falls under the general-news category.
