Unfiltered Opinion: Nietzard's ACAB Hoodie Stunt was Messy, but Klöckner's Threat is More Toxic
- by John D. Smythe
- 4 Min
Nietzsche's Contention: Klöckner's Letter, Not the ACAB Hoodie, Causes the Strife - Klöckner's Letter - Instead of the ACAB Hoodie, It's the Letter Causing Stir
Make no mistake about it, Jette Nietzard, Green Youth spokesperson, has garnered a rep for spitting out a lot of sweet nothing. The other day, she shared a picture of herself flaunting a hoodie emblazoned with the acronym "ACAB" online. This term is famously understood in the left-leaning scene in Germany as "All Cops are Bastards" or "All Cops are Pigs." On the backlash, Nietzard backpedaled, asserting that indeed not all law enforcement officers are swine, but she despises the system they operate under. She also recognized "Lorenz," who was recently gunned down by cops in Oldenburg, and how individuals with migration backgrounds and dark skin often feel fearful when they spot a police vehicle.
So, the Greens have received a missive from Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU). The party has granted Nietzard access to the Bundestag, despite her non-MP status. If Nietzard sets foot in the Bundestag while rocking her ACAB hoodie, it would go against the house rules, Klöckner cautioned. Law enforcement officials in the building might feel offended, and the worst-case scenario could result in Nietzard being expelled from the house.
Flawed, dumb, and populist: Nietzard's maneuver
Nietzard sporting that ACAB acronym was a boneheaded move, the statement is faulty, and it smacks of pandering to the masses. She doesn't owse apologies as demanded. In a democracy, people are entitled to spout nonsense, that's part of the deal. Klöckner's response is heavy-handed. And it showcases a tiresome side of the Union: they relish in scolding people, even when they themselves often spew nonsense.
Prior to the Bundestag election, Friedrich Merz (CDU) spoke of "green and left-wing crazies" and claimed he wanted to make politics for folks who "still have all their marbles." Compared to that, an ACAB hoodie seems almost innocent. Also, his wife Charlotte once shoved down a ZDF reporter's microphone because he asked a question about Leitkultur that was apparently too bold.
Friedrich Merz also once cast a vote against making marital rape a criminal offense in 1997. He wanted a provision that would permit women to thwart prosecution. Apparently, he didn’t realize that this would provide rapists a weapon to pressure their victims. Nowadays, Merz admits he was misguided.
Julia Klöckner recently tried to gag the churches. She commented they should keep their political opinions to themselves, as it's not their job. Apparently, she forgot for a nanosecond that, in this country, everyone is free to express their opinion verbally, in writing, and through images - as long as it's not unlawful.
ACAB slogan is not a crime
This is not the situation with the ACAB acronym. "The public showcasing of the letter combination 'ACAB' is not necessarily punishable under the freedom of expression," the Constitutional Court ruled in 2016 in a case involving a soccer fan who donned black pants with the inscription "ACAB" - the inscription was on his posterior region. The inscription can also be considered a form of system criticism, the Constitutional Court noted.
Indeed, there's a lot to pick apart about the German police system. It's true that police brutality isn't adequately addressed in Germany. There are no autonomous investigative commissions. This isn't just the gripe of some "left-wing extremists," but the human rights commissioners of the EU, who have been expressing this since 1996 - nearly 30 years now.
To bolster their systemic critique of the police, "Nietzard" alluded to "Lorenz" (one wonders why they refer to the deceased by his first name and if this is indeed a token of respect). They meant 21-year-old Lorenz A., who was recently shot dead during a police operation in Oldenburg - from behind. Of course, one must be meticulous to determine if a comprehensive investigation is being conducted. The investigations are still ongoing. It's unclear whether Lorenz A. had sprayed pepper spray at the cops. Whether the officer couldn't see straight and fired wildly in a panic, and whether he was permitted to or should be charged. It's odd that the officers' body cameras were switched off. But it's premature to pass judgment on this tragic event.
It's also true that people perceived as "foreign" are controlled by the police about twice as often as others. This isn't just the claim of "left-wing extremists," but the result of serious studies. There have been and continue to be appalling cases. Currently, at least 400 police officers are under investigation for suspected far-right extremism. A recent study found that in Hamburg, almost every fourth police officer leans right, if not far-right.
ACAB tarnishes everyone with the same brush
Nevertheless, there's no reason to "loathe" the "police system" as "Nietzard" does. There are approximately 330,550 cops in Germany. "ACAB" paints them all with the same brush, including those who diligently do their duty - and that's most of them. Despite all the justified criticism, the German police is still one of the best in the world. According to Amnesty International, in the USA, especially African Americans are frequently victims of deadly police violence. In Nigeria, police randomly arrest, torture, and kill people. That can't be our standard. However, there are also allegations of torture against the Spanish, Italian, and French police in Europe.
So, "Nietzard" should consign their pullover to Goodwill, visit police stations, observe the cops in action, and engage with them. Only then will they become a politician people take seriously. And even more importantly: One that respects people.
- Julia Klöckner
- Friedrich Merz
- Police
- Lorenz A.
- Oldenburg
- CDUThere is no specific information in the provided search results about the current status of the German police system's handling of police brutality or independent investigations in the context of the ACAB (All Cops Are Bastards) hoodie controversy. However, recent incidents and broader discourse can provide some insight:
- Recent Incidents: There have been reports of police actions that have raised concerns, such as the arrest of five teenagers in an investigation into a far-right extremist group, indicating a proactive stance against potential threats[1][2]. Additionally, there was an incident on March 8, 2025, where German police were accused of attacking women during a march in Berlin, highlighting tensions between law enforcement and certain groups[4].
- Handling Police Brutality: The search results do not specifically address how Germany handles allegations of police brutality. However, in general, countries within the European Union, including Germany, often have mechanisms for investigating police misconduct, which may include independent review bodies or internal affairs units. These mechanisms aim to ensure accountability and transparency in police actions.
- ACAB Controversy: The ACAB hoodie controversy is part of broader discussions about police brutality and trust issues between law enforcement and certain communities. While specific details about Germany's handling of these issues are not provided, such controversies often prompt calls for independent investigations and reforms to address public concerns.
- In the middle of a heated debate on German politics and police accountability, the Constitutional Court ruled in 2016 that the public display of the 'ACAB' acronym, associated with police criticism, is not generally punishable under freedom of expression.
- Moving beyond the ACAB controversy, it's crucial to address pressing issues in policy-and-legislation, such as the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation. The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on this matter, highlighting the importance of legislative action in safeguarding citizens.
