The German government is pushing for even stricter punishments for citizens who criticize politicians online, with the aim of silencing dissent on social media.
Kathrin Wahlmann, Justice Minister of Lower Saxony, introduced a proposal that would give prosecutors more power to punish “insults” aimed at politicians. Her move comes after a string of incidents where ordinary citizens faced heavy penalties for making disparaging comments about government officials.
Wahlmann slammed the “disgusting hate comments” politicians have been subjected to, calling the current rules “insufficient” in dealing with the issue. She added that the harsh tone of online discourse has discouraged many from engaging in politics, fearing backlash.
The proposal would make it easier for authorities to take legal action, even against insults that aren’t directly tied to a politician’s official duties. Wahlmann’s comments come after a 64-year-old pensioner had his home raided for calling Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck an “imbecile” online. Another woman was fined €900 for sharing a meme mocking the government, and a conservative news editor faced heavy fines—and potential prison time—for satirizing Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
This crackdown is rooted in a law introduced under Angela Merkel’s government, allowing politicians to file criminal complaints over defamatory remarks. Since the law’s passage, over 1,300 citizens have been prosecuted for allegedly insulting public officials, raising concerns about government overreach.
Vice Chancellor Habeck has also called for stricter social media regulations, insisting that “freedom of expression” must be tempered by “the rules of decency and democracy.” Rather than addressing the citizens who’ve been harassed, the government seems focused on tightening the grip on free speech, all while trying to stifle satire and criticism.
