Multiple Non-Governmental Organizations Evaluated by the Ministry of Protecting the Constitution
Let's discuss the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution's review of non-governmental organizations, shall we?
Now, bear in mind, this intel agency has been on a roll these past years, scrutinizing hundreds of orgs at the behest of various ministries, according to a report by the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung."
It's the first time we've seen figures related to the so-called Haber procedure hit the headlines. The intel agency apparently reported in 249 cases in 2019 and 85 cases in 2018 about possible constitutional findings regarding groups applying for federal funding.
The Interior Ministry made the most inquiries, totaling over 300, while significantly fewer reviews were initiated by the Commissioner for Integration, the Foreign Office, and the Family Affairs Ministry in those two years.
Ulrich Kelber, our Federal Commissioner for Data Protection, had some thoughts on the matter. He voiced his belief in the need for a legislative intervention, stating that parliamentary regulation is crucial to accommodate the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution's findings when making decisions on state funding, in accordance with the Basic Law.
Left politician Ulla Jelpke criticized the review, calling it a "declaration of mistrust" towards committed citizens, and demanded the practice be halted. The Federal Government responded, emphasizing that the aim of the review is to prevent extremist organizations from obtaining state funds.
Regrettably, the Government didn't spill the beans on which specific organizations were under the spotlight, or the number of cases where the review led to funding denial.
As for finding that info, your best bet would be to dig through reports or documents directly from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution for those years.
Other reports may delve into the political implications of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution's policy-and-legislation regarding general-news, shedding light on debates and discussions in the realm of politics. A closer examination of the role of parliamentary regulation in this matter, particularly Ulrich Kelber's advocacy for legislative intervention, could offer valuable insights for future policy-making.
