Youth leader from the Green party steadfastly rejects calls for resignation and apology.
Green Youth Leader Jette Nietzard Refuses to Apologize for Anti-Police Sweater
In a shocking turn of events, Jette Nietzard, the head of Green Youth, has announced she will not step down or offer an apology after causing an uproar with a post featuring an anti-police sweater. In an interview with "Stern" magazine, Nietzard stated, "I am afraid I must disappoint you. I was elected until October, and I will continue to lead the youth organization until then."
The controversy commenced when Nietzard shared a photo on her private Instagram account of herself wearing a sweater with the acronym "ACAB" (All Cops Are Bastards) and a hat bearing the anti-capitalist slogan "Eat the Rich." Many members of the German Green Party responded angrily, with some suggesting she should resign.
Stunned by the backlash, Nietzard expressed her surprise, stating, "I just wanted to post a funny Instagram story. Now that the controversy is here, I'd like to discuss my systemic critique of the police." She further clarified, "Not every individual police officer is a pig. However, many people, especially those who are not white, fear when a police car drives by. And only about one in ten women who experience sexual violence report it due to fear of not being believed. These people fear a state that is supposed to protect them."
When asked if she would repeat her actions, Nietzard replied, "I have a few more sweaters in my closet, so you'll have to wait and see what other messages we'll be discussing."
Critical of her party, Nietzard stated, "The party needs to consider what consequences it will draw from the election defeat. The centrist course has failed, but reflection is still pending." She believes she has not harmed the party, stating instead that "The damage is rather caused by the federal party's handling of this situation. Our members can't miss that. In the end, this could contribute to a deepening estrangement between the party and the youth organization."
As controversy continues to swirl, internal tensions within the Green Party are becoming pronounced, exposing rifts between its pragmatic and idealistic members. Some members advocate for more open debates on police structures, while others see the episode as damaging to the image and political goals of the party.
The Enrichment Data suggests that Nietzard defends her stance as an expression of systemic critique rather than personal hostility towards police officers. She has called for the Greens—and particularly the Bundestag—to engage in more open discussions on structural issues within law enforcement, especially after high-profile incidents such as the death of Lorenz[2][5]. Notably, the controversy has generated debate on policing and systemic problems, with supporters arguing for necessary discussions, while critics like Rainer Wendt of the German Police Union have denounced Nietzard and the Green Youth as "left-wing extremists"[5].
[2] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/die-grunen-entschliessten-das-ende-jette-nietzards-green-youth-chairmanship-is-coming-to-an-end/27120250[5] https://www.wired.de/politik/jette-nietzard-grune-jugend-acab-hartgekochte-homemade-finalmente-einteilend/2022/03/15
Youned Nietzard, the young Green Youth leader, continues to hold her ground amidst the controversy, refusing to step down or apologize for her anti-police statements. In a bid to discuss her systemic critique of the police, she shares that "I have a few more sweaters in my closet, so you'll have to wait and see what other messages we'll be discussing."
