Keeping Up with Controversy: The ACAB Slogan Divides Germany
- by Stephan Anpalagan
- 4 Min
Authority figures like the police face challenges too: Struggles are not solely theirs to bear. - Struggles persist within the law enforcement sector
Recently, German screens have been buzzing with heated topics. Here are three of them:
- May 21, 2025: Jaspinder Singh, a police commissioner in Bremen donning a turban, marks a historic moment, sparking debate. Though visually fitting among the line of young officers, Radio Bremen takes two days to report the event.
- Same day: The public prosecutor's office in Osnabrück announces an investigation into two police officers accused of distributing right-wing extremist content. One officer is said to have documented foreigners in a degrading manner, while another publicly showcased a Hitler salute. This triggers a raid on their private homes, followed by NDR's coverage on "Right-wing extremism: Raids on police officers - accusations very concrete."
- May 23, 2025: Jette Nietzard, the federal chairwoman of the Green Youth, dons an Instagram-worthy turquoise pullover emblazoned with the letters "ACAB," standing for "All Cops Are Bastards." The subsequent outcry yields comments from police officers, police unions, politicians, and more.
Our Commentary on Controversy
If you ask the average reader, conversations surrounding Jette Nietzard's pullover would likely hold the most interest. The topic has garnered wide attention from influential figures, including police, politicians, and media outlets.
Interestingly, despite the extensive coverage on Nietzard's pullover, reports about the alleged right-wing extremist police officers remain scarce. The director of the police academy, responsible public prosecutor, and a former police officer weigh in on the investigation via NDR, shedding light on the current status of the Lower Saxony police and the investigation.
A Matter of Balance
Remember the infamous "Sylt video" where young individuals shouted "Foreigners out!" and gave a "Hitler salute?" The public outcry over Jette Nietzard's pullover represent a balanced response, acknowledging its stupidity and the far-rightSalute in the Sylt video should not be underestimated. However, detractors of the Sylt video should not downplay the significance of Nietzard's pullover and vice versa. One can dig up the history of those who defended the Sylt racists and criticize Jette Nietzard's actions today.
Dealing with ACAB: A Question of Intelligence
The controversy surrounding Jette Nietzard's pullover lies in the A – all police officers. This includes active officers, trainers, and all affiliated with the police. Lumping them together without discernment is equivalent to a three-year-old's logic, alongside claims that all East Germans are far-right, all men are misogynistic, or all whites are racist. Such arguments are fallacious, even if systemic issues exist in these scenarios.
Misguided Criticism of the Police
Labeling all police officers as "bastards" due to the actions of a few is unjust. If taken literally, wouldn't Jaspinder Singh, a police commissioner of obvious migrant roots and Sikh faith, also be deemed a "bastard"? His enthusiasm for the police profession and willingness to serve the country should be celebrated instead of invalidated by careless slogans.
Those who've defended the police as a mirror of society during exposés of far-right police chat groups seem hypocritical when they show outrage towards individuals like Jette Nietzard. Anyone who takes issue with a turban-wearing police officer over a political pullover reveals their bias and ignorance. Those who prioritize a silly pullover over racist police officers should question their moral compass.
The police must first regain the trust of the public to serve effectively. However, unfair criticisms like the ACAB slogan only widen the rift between police forces and certain communities, making their job more challenging. A liberal democracy should allow for harsh criticisms of its state power while ensuring they are justified and not unfounded attacks on the entire force.
- In light of the Bremen police commissioner, Jaspinder Singh, making history, it's important to note that the same day, the public prosecutor's office in Osnabrück launched an investigation into two police officers accused of distributing right-wing extremist content.
- Amidst the debate over the ACAB slogan and Jette Nietzard's controversial pullover, it's crucial to address the ongoing investigation into the Lower Saxony police officers who were accused of such content distribution, a matter that requires attention in politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice.
