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Interior Minister Nancy Faeser sued over a picture that claimed she “hates freedom of expression”
David Bendels, the editor-in-chief of the conservative publication Deutschland-Kurier, has been sentenced by a German district court to a seven-month suspended prison sentence for allegedly defaming Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser using a satirical meme.
The meme in question, which was posted on Deutschland-Kurier’s X account in February 2024, depicted Faeser holding a sign that had been altered to read: “I hate freedom of expression.” The original image showed the phrase “We Remember,” which was part of a Holocaust remembrance campaign. Faeser’s legal team filed a criminal complaint, which resulted in a fine and Monday’s sentencing by the Bamberg District Court in Upper Franconia, Bavaria.
The court found Bendels guilty under Section 188 of the German Criminal Code – a rarely used law sometimes referred to as the “lese-majeste” or “injured majesty” law – which punishes the defamation of public officials, according to Deutschland-Kurier.
The court suspended the sentence, noting Bendels’ lack of prior criminal record, and placed him on two years’ probation. He was also reportedly ordered to issue a written apology to Faeser.
Bendels and his legal team have stated their intention to appeal the verdict, arguing that the meme is protected under freedom of expression and the press. They assert that the case establishes a worrying precedent for journalistic freedom in Germany.
“We will not accept this verdict and will challenge it by all legal means,” Bendels stated. “Deutschland-Kurier and I will personally continue the fight for freedom of the press and expression – firmly, consistently, and with all consequences necessary for the continuation of democracy in Germany.”