Uphill Battle for Far-Right Magazine "Compact" - Verdict Delayed to June
Heads of Judiciary branch yet to make decision – decision due in June - Commission Failed to Meet Obligations Stipulated by Article 85 (1) of the Treaty, According to Court of Justice Ruling
Get ready for a hot topic! The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig has put off announcing its verdict on the controversial right-wing publication, "Compact," until June 24th. It's been a nail-biting battle between the magazine and the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) over the last two days, with both sides arguing fiercely about the justification for the ban on "Compact."
The heated centerpiece of these debates has been the interpretation of specific statements made in the magazine. Are these statements still considered opinions, protected by press and freedom of speech, or do they cross the line into unconstitutional territory, posing a direct threat?
On the second day of the trial, it became clear that the relationships between "Compact" and renowned right-wing extremist Martin Sellner were under intense scrutiny. Questions about the extent of Sellner's influence on the magazine creators are a key concern, as expressed by presiding judge Ingo Kraft.
During the trial, "Compact" editor-in-chief Jürgen Elsässer admitted that Sellner was a regular contributor to the magazine due to his ability to attract a younger audience. Elsässer made it clear that he doesn't necessarily endorse all of Sellner's content, but appreciates Sellner as a person with courage and integrity.
Sellner is well-known in right-wing circles for participating in the infamous Potsdam meeting, which brought the concept of "Remigration" into the limelight. When advocated by far-right extremists, "Remigration" often implies forcing millions of people of foreign origin to leave the country.
In response to the meeting, "Compact" published a special edition to provide a voice to the "persecuted." However, Elsässer assured the court that these individuals were not featured prominently, such as on the YouTube channel.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior, represented by Wolfgang Roth, argues that there is no discernible distance between the publications of the media house. For example, online contributions by Sellner were published without comment, and a video featuring him was linked. The Ministry asserts this creates an editorial responsibility.
Evidence presented by the Ministry includes more than 240 pages of examples of violations of human dignity, a disregard for democratic principles, rule-of-law breaches, racism, and anti-Semitism. BMI lawyer Roth emphasized that the selected evidence was only a representative sample for the trial.
Terms like "Guest Germans," "Cultural exchange," "Devastating blow against the German people," and "German is a person of German origin" have been highlighted as evidence of the "Compact" makers' pursuit of "absolute homogeneity" or a preservation of a German cultural identity.
However, in an editorial from 2018, Elsässer referred to millions of "culturally alien barbarians" being brought into the country. BMI lawyer Roth labeled this statement a "blanket denigration." Elsässer later called this passage an "exception" and a "lapse." Elsässer's lawyers insisted that he speaks as a journalist using metaphors.
A preliminary court decision last summer provisionally suspended the ban on "Compact." This means the magazine can continue to appear until the court reaches its final verdict.
Whether this final verdict will favor the BMI and uphold the ban on "Compact" remains to be seen. Elsaesser does have the option of appealing to the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe, but any appeal would have no impact on the ongoing ban.
Keep an eye on this drama unfolding in Leipzig—it promises to be a scorcher!
- Compact
- Extremism
- Martin Sellner
- Leipzig
- BVerwG
- Wolfgang Roth
- Ingo Kraft
- Right-wing extremists
- Berlin
- BMI
- Jürgen Elsaesser
- Rudi Dutschke
- In this heated trial, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig is reviewing the controversial right-wing magazine "Compact," known for its controversial stance and ties with renowned right-wing extremist Martin Sellner.
- As the debate over the publication continues, social media platforms and entertainment outlets like books, movies, and TV shows, often reflecting pop culture and sci-fi and fantasy themes, may offer alternative avenues for those seeking thought-provoking content that explores similar topics while avoiding the extremist views associated with "Compact."
- With controversy surrounding Compact and other far-right media, EC countries might consider adopting policies to address such extremism, fostering a cooperative atmosphere for the development of peaceful and inclusive societies that uphold human rights.
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