An Unsettling Incident: Antisemitic Post Sparks Police Investigation
Authorities Interview Person Over Posted Anti-Semitic Remarks Online - Police investigates harmful online post targeting Jewish community
The recent antisemitic post on the Facebook page of a local alteration tailor in Kleinmachnow, Brandenburg, has prompted a criminal investigation by the police. A formal complaint has been filed, alleging the user incited hatred. The owner of the business denies any wrongdoing.
The police will conduct a "threat assessment," reaching out to the suspected individual to discuss potential legal repercussions of their actions.
A controversial post surfaced on the tailor's Facebook page a few days ago, prohibiting Jews from the premises. The post has since been removed.
A Hack or Misstep?
The police are keeping tight-lipped about the identity of the suspected culprit, citing privacy concerns. The antisemitic post came to the attention of authorities through a confidential tip-off.
Mehmet Uyar, who co-owns businesses in Kleinmachnow and Calau with his father, told dpa that their website was hacked. As business owners, they welcome all customers equally. Later, he mentioned "defamation" on Instagram. The police spokeswoman commented on the claims of a hacked website, "The investigation is ongoing in all directions."
Taking a Stand
On the Instagram page of the alteration tailor, a statement was posted on Monday evening: "For the past couple of days, my Facebook page has been infiltrated by spiteful individuals aiming to run me out of Calau." The post appeared in Instagram Stories, which disappear after 24 hours.
Uyar added, "I am neither an antisemite nor is my father, who runs our other branch in Kleinmachnow. In our view, this is a case of defamation driven by xenophobic sentiments."
In the Broader Context:
The ongoing antisemitic incident in Kleinmachnow takes place amid a concerning resurgence of hate crimes against Jews in Germany. The number of right-wing extremist antisemitic incidents spiked by 28% in 2024, and incidents of trivializing the Holocaust have become more frequent[2]. Although the police have not released concrete findings or official statements regarding this specific case, it's likely that local authorities in Brandenburg are closely monitoring the situation in the wake of a broader increase in antisemitic incidents[1].
In light of the ongoing investigation, community members and employment policy advocates are encouraged to report any instances of hate speech or discrimination, as these incidents appear to be a growing concern in the politics of Brandenburg.
Furthermore, the general-news media should exercise vigilance in covering such incidents to ensure balanced and accurate reporting, as misinformation can contribute to the normalization of crime-and-justice issues like antisemitism.
