"ZDF facing personal rights lawsuit over alleged falsehoods in Boehmermann's lawsuit"
ZDF Faces Legal Action Over Controversial Program
Manuel Ostermann, the deputy federal chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG), has filed a lawsuit against ZDF and its host, Jan Böhmermann, over a program titled "Who is the security risk here?" that aired on March 28, 2025. The program critically examined the Federal Resettlement Program Afghanistan (BAP) and made allegations against individual federal police officers, accusing them of deliberately allowing or committing errors in visa procedures to sabotage the program.
The lawyers representing Ostermann, led by Rafael Sarlak, a lawyer for press law at Höcker Rechtsanwälte, have stated that the central accusations are factually unfounded. They argue that the satirical framework of the program cannot cover false factual statements and that the allegations were presented as established facts, publicly putting Ostermann on trial without prior contact or opportunity to respond.
Rafael Sarlak has emphasized the duty of public broadcasting to provide truthful information and accused Böhmermann of violating this duty by making viewers believe that the Federal Police is deliberately manipulating state procedures. The lawsuit centers around claims of defamation, false accusations, and damage to reputation, affecting not only Ostermann's personal honour but also the public image of the Bundespolizei.
In an interview with the Berliner Zeitung in June, Ostermann expressed his disapproval of Böhmermann's methods, stating that he uses offensive rhetoric and half-truths to defame organizations and individuals. The interview was not about advertisements or events, but about the ongoing legal dispute between Ostermann and ZDF over the program "Who is the security risk here?".
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, the ruling could have a signal effect, especially with regard to the legal handling of satirical reporting on officials and institutions. Rafael Sarlak compared Böhmermann's lies about Arne Schoenbohm to the false claim about the Federal Police, stating that they will have no more standing than Böhmermann's lies.
The program, broadcast on ZDF, made several derogatory comments about Manuel Ostermann, including referring to him as a "gentleman in a Skoda", a "self-radicalized Michel from Lönneberga", and a "three-quarters filled punching bag with the Blitzkrieg haircut". The lawyers representing Ostermann argue that these comments constitute a personal attack and a violation of Ostermann's rights.
The legal dispute is currently ongoing, and a decision is yet to be made. If successful, Ostermann's lawsuit could set a precedent for how satirical programs are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of truth and fairness in journalism.
References:
- Berliner Zeitung
- Deutsche Welle
- Focus Online
- The controversy surrounding Jan Böhmermann's program on ZDF, titled "Who is the security risk here?," has sparked a legal battle over allegations of defamation, false accusations, and damage to reputation, especially against Manuel Ostermann, Deputy Federal Chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG).
- Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions about Böhmermann's program, with many expressing opinions on the satirical content and its potential implications for journalism and public figures, such as celebrities, politicians, and officials.
- If Ostermann's lawsuit is successful, it could establish a precedent for how satirical programs are handled in the future, impacting not only the entertainment industry but also general news and crime-and-justice reporting, emphasizing the importance of truth and fairness in broadcasting.
