Compact Magazine Wins Freedom to Continue Publication
Right-wing extremist publication 'Compact' magazine granted continued distribution - Potential Continuation of Right-Wing Extremist Publication "Compact" Magazine
In a surprising twist, the court has ruled in favor of controversial German magazine, Compact, allowing it to continue its operations. Despite numerous unconstitutional statements and activities, the court determined the eradication of Compact was not justified due to freedom of opinion and the press.
Judge Ingo Kraft stated that many of the text passages presented as grounds for a ban could be interpreted as "exaggerated yet permissible criticism" of migration policy. Conspiracy theories and revisionist views about coronavirus policy or the Ukraine war, found within Compact's pages, also do not warrant a ban, according to the court.
However, the court acknowledged Compact's publication of controversial ideas from Austrian far-right extremist, Martin Sellner. These ideas discriminate against German citizens with a migration background, treating them as second-class citizens, as referenced in Compact's publications.
The court's verdict confirmed its preliminary decision made back in August 2024, suspending the enforcement of the ban and allowing Compact to continue publishing. The GmbH defended its lawsuit by arguing that the association law was not applicable in this case. The court, however, found that Compact is not simply a press and media company but rather an association with a long-term purpose, a common goal, and a "strict will formation" led by activist Jürgen Elsässer.
Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed that his ministry would carefully consider the verdict, emphasizing that association bans remain "a possible and applicable means against extremist endeavors." Elsässer himself declared, "We are the stormtroopers of democracy."
Leanne Berger, spokeswoman for the Left faction in the Bundestag, expressed concerns, stating that the court's verdict does not change the fact that Compact is a key player in the far-right movement. Compact will continue to face significant anti-fascist resistance in the future, according to Berger.
The German Journalists' Association (DJV) and the German Journalists' Union (DJU) took a more balanced stance, viewing the court's decision as an affirmation of the importance of press freedom. Mika Beuster, DJV federal chairman, did emphasize that Compact spreads right-wing extremist content in many articles that contradict journalistic standards. Banning the entire magazine remains an option of last resort, according to the DJV.
- Compact
- Jürgen Elsässer
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Leipzig
- Leanne Berger
- SPD
- CSU
- Ingo Kraft
- Right-wing extremists
- Martin Sellner
Background:
Compact is a notorious far-right German magazine, founded by Jürgen Elsässer in 2010. Positioning itself as a "Magazine for Sovereignty," Compact has served as a unifying force for various right-wing political groups in Germany. The content of Compact has gained recognition for conspiracy theories, revisionist historical narratives, and xenophobic themes, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Mainstream Affiliations and Content:
Compact has maintained close ties with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and the Islamophobic Pegida movement since around 2015. Its publication includes a series called "Compact History," presenting revisionist and controversial reinterpretations of German history, reinforcing its broader narrative framework.
Government Classification and Legal Challenges:
In March 2020, the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified Compact as "certainly far-right extremist," citing its dissemination of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and conspiratorial content, as well as its contempt for the principles of the Federal Republic of Germany. Due to its content, Compact has come under intense scrutiny by German authorities, resulting in a ban in July 2024. However, this ban was overturned by the German Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig in June 2025. The ruling emphasized the protection of freedom of expression while acknowledging that Compact promotes unconstitutional and extremist ideas that do not pose an immediate threat to Germany's constitutional order.
Controversial Content and Impact:
Compact is known for its antisemitic and anti-Israel content, contributing to the 2024 ban. Its narratives often spread conspiracy theories about major events such as the coronavirus pandemic and the Ukraine war, combined with historical revisionism and xenophobic rhetoric. These elements make Compact a highly controversial publication within Germany and internationally.
- Notwithstanding the court's decision, concerns Over Compact's association with extreme politics remain, as evident in the statements made by Leanne Berger, Spokeswoman for the Left faction in the Bundestag, and the German Journalists' Association (DJV).
- In the midst of the court battle, it was revealed that the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, in light of Compact's controversial activities.
