A German federal court has overturned a ban on the rightwing magazine Compact, deeming that it does not currently pose a credible threat to democracy. This ruling underscores the tension between safeguarding democratic values and protecting media freedom. Although the magazine has been linked to extremist views and propaganda, the court maintained that freedom of expression must be upheld, even for those opposing the constitution. The case illustrates the ongoing challenge authorities face in combating extremism while ensuring civil liberties, emphasizing the role of societal debate in a democracy.
While Compact's content is indeed anticonstitutional, it does not yet pose a credible threat to the stability of the democratic order, ensuring freedom of expression prevails.
The presiding judge emphasized that even those who oppose the constitution are entitled to freedom of expression, reinforcing the importance of societal debate.
Nancy Faeser argued that Compact propagated unspeakable hatred and conspiracy theories, pointing to the opposition against the far-right's influence on public discourse.
The ruling reflects a balance between media freedom and government efforts to combat extremism, highlighting the complexities of ensuring constitutional democracy.
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