Martin Sellner: Jürgen Elsässer's Regular Controversial Author
Editor-in-Chief regards Martin Sellner as an author. - Martin Sellner, the head of "Compact," penned the text.
In the spotlight of the trial addressing the ban of a right-wing extremist publication, "Compact" editor-in-chief Jürgen Elsässer sheds light on his connection with Austrian figure, Martin Sellner. According to the 68-year-old, Sellner regularly pens articles for "Compact" due to his capacity to draw a younger audience.
Elsässer, as editor, accepts diverse viewpoints and does not necessarily endorse Sellner's entire content. He admires Sellner personally and as a character, regarding him as brave and incorruptible. Elsässer, however, does not approve of Sellner's beliefs in practice.
Sauntering Among Extremists
The year was 2023 when Sellner engaged with extreme right-wing circles at the Potsdam gathering. This event left an impression due to a controversial term called "Remigration." Sellner, an ex-leader of Austria's Identitarian Movement, addressed the term during the meeting. Notably, far-right extremists often employ this term to propose mass deportations of people of foreign origin, even through forceful means.
A Voice for the Accused
Following the Potsdam gathering, "Compact" published a special edition, Elsässer confessed. Citing journalistic fairness, they aimed to offer a platform for the marginalized.
At that time, then-Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) deemed the magazine the "central mouthpiece" of the far-right extremist scene, ultimately banning it. This move led to an instant halt of both the print and online versions of "Compact." A temporary ban suspension by Leipzig judges occurred last August, and the main proceedings are now underway.
- Martin Sellner
- Compact
- Extremism
- Jürgen Elsässer
- Chief
- Leipzig
- Far-right extremists
- Berlin
- Democracy
- BVerwG
Further Insight:
- Martin Sellner: A well-known figure in the extremist right-wing movement, affiliated with the Identitarian Movement of Austria. Controversially linked to multiple far-right activities and other extremist groups.
- Jürgen Elsässer: A German journalist and editor, renowned for his work with the publication "Compact," which is often criticized for promoting far-right and conspiracy-oriented content. Involved in various political controversies and accused of distributing misinformation.
- Compact Magazine: Infamous for its far-right, conspiracy-oriented content, the publication has been under fire for promoting extremist ideologies and providing a platform for various far-right figures and ideologies.
- The trial addressing the ban of the controversial "Compact" publication, which is known for promoting far-right and conspiracy-oriented content, has brought light to Martin Sellner's regular cooperation with its editor-in-chief, Jürgen Elsässer, who admires Sellner's bravery and incorruptibility, despite not endorsing his extremist views.
- Amidst the ongoing trial, Alsászser, as chief editor, has defended his decision to publish diverse viewpoints, including that of Sellner, citing journalistic fairness and an intention to offer a platform for the marginalized, a move that has been criticized for reinforcing the voice of far-right extremists, such as Sellner, in the general-news sphere and politics of EC countries.
