Section 188
Stories
Germany Fines Citizens a Month’s Wages for Insulting Chancellor Merz on Facebook
The fine isn’t really about the money, it’s about teaching everyone else to never criticize power.
Court Forces German Chancellor Merz to Open Files on 300 “Insult the Chancellor” Cases
The Chancellor who calls himself a defender of democratic norms now has roughly 300 prosecutors working to protect his feelings.
Friedrich Merz’s Push to End Online Anonymity Has a Troubling Subtext
Germany already has laws that let politicians prosecute citizens for insulting them online and Merz just wants to remove the last step between a critical post and a knock on the door.
German Court Rules Satirical Meme Protected by Free Expression
The decision marks a rare legal victory for satire in a climate where political humor increasingly faces judicial scrutiny.
Thumbs Up Lands Woman in Hot Water as Germany Cracks Down on Emoji Speech
A simple emoji reply has become a symbol of how far German prosecutors will go to police intent online.
