"In two cases, this was followed by police searches of the homes of the suspected authors, the Welt am Sonntag newspaper reported, citing documents such as lawyers' letters and investigation files. The insults in question on social media included terms such as "a**hole," "filthy drunk," and "little Nazi." According to the report, the latter two expressions led to house searches, though in the case of "filthy drunk" a court later ruled the search unlawful."
"The period in question was before Merz became the chancellor, at which point he ceased to be the parliamentary group leader. In Germany, insulting a person can constitute a criminal offense under the criminal code, allowing authorities to investigate if the alleged victim files a complaint. Merz's parliamentary office "largely" confirmed the incidents, the report continued. According to the newspaper, the current Chancellor donated compensation payments and fines "in full to charitable causes in the Hochsauerland district," where Merz's constituency is located."
Chancellor Friedrich Merz filed hundreds of criminal complaints for insult while serving as leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag. In two instances police searched the homes of suspected authors after complaints. Insults on social media included terms such as "a**hole," "filthy drunk," and "little Nazi." A court later ruled one house search over "filthy drunk" unlawful. The actions took place before Merz became chancellor. German law can criminalize insults, enabling investigations when alleged victims file complaints. Merz's parliamentary office largely confirmed the incidents. Merz donated compensation payments and fines in full to charitable causes in the Hochsauerland district. A prior Habeck complaint had prompted debate about proportionality.
Read at www.dw.com
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