A court in Leipzig has overturned the German government's ban on the far-right magazine Compact, a move that has stirred debate over free speech and the nation’s approach to combating extremism. The German Interior Ministry had previously banned the magazine in July 2024, alleging that its content undermined the constitution and incited hatred against minorities and the democratic system.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser characterized Compact as a key platform for the extremist right, noting its promotion of hostility against Jews and immigrants. However, in a Tuesday ruling, the judges acknowledged that the magazine does publish content deemed anti-constitutional but concluded that this did not warrant a ban. "The constitution guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press, even towards enemies of the constitution," said presiding Judge Ingo Kraft.
Jürgen Elsässer, the editor-in-chief of Compact, heralded the ruling as a victory for the publication and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, asserting that if his magazine cannot face a ban, neither should the AfD. This ruling arrives amid an ongoing discussion in Germany about the potential to ban the AfD, which has also been categorized as a right-wing extremist group by German intelligence.
While some believe a ban could serve to legitimize the party's victim narrative, AfD supporters argue they are being unfairly targeted by state actions that hinder their political voice.
The broader context includes criticisms from international figures, such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who condemned Germany’s approach to speech regulation at the Munich Security Conference, suggesting that it suppresses democratic discourse. Despite the tensions, AfD members remain prominent in media discussions and political arenas, indicating that the party continues to engage with the public and parliamentary processes.
Germany's historical experiences with authoritarian regimes place significant barriers to restricting speech, leading to numerous court challenges against government efforts to silence publications tied to extremist movements. The latest court ruling is final and cannot be appealed, reaffirming complex dilemmas around freedom of expression in contemporary Germany.
