Freedom of expression or sedition? Racist slogans in Demmin

Freedom of expression or sedition? Racist slogans in Demmin

Demmin, Deutschland - Last weekend there was organizational and ethical excitement at a city festival in Demmin, Western Pomerania. The heated atmosphere among the party guests turned into a brazen performance when they tuned the xenophobic slogan "Germany out of German, foreigners" during the sound system to the hit "L’Amour Toujours". The reaction of the DJ, which celebrated these chants, raises questions about the limits of freedom of expression and social cohesion. This is reported by the Nordkurier .

In social media, numerous users who defend the racist chants can speak out and refer to the protection of freedom of expression. However, in the past, the Federal Constitutional Court has made it clear that statements that violate human dignity, for example, require a differentiated view. As the decision from 2010 shows, the principle of freedom of expression is a valuable asset, but not a free ticket for attacking or discriminatory statements.

freedom of expression or sedition?

The Federal Constitutional Court found in its press release dated March 5, 2010 that additional accompanying circumstances are required for the criminal offense of sedition. In a judgment on two procedures, several convictions were lifted due to sedition because the case constellations were not sufficient to confirm the allegations raised. As the court stated, a weighing up between freedom of expression and the protection of human dignity must always be carried out. The Federal Constitutional Court explained that the statements are not classified as a flat rate as long as it lacks the right accompanying circumstances.

The provocative slogan "foreigner out" may be legally covered, but that raises the question: is that also morally accepted? Racist chants like those in Demmin not only disparage people because of their origin, but also play with the psychological stress on those who are looking for protection in Germany and help to build the country. This affects many of them who work in systematic professions or have fled before persecution.

racism vs. freedom of expression

How the Institute for Human Rights emphasizes freedom of expression is a central human right that is indispensable in a democratic society. But it must not serve as an excuse to spread racist hate slogans. Legislation, both at national and international level, stipulates that the state is punishing racist discrimination. Article 4a of the UN Convention on the elimination of any form of racist discrimination obliges the contracting states to counteract such ideas.

In an EU-wide context, the need to seriously question racist statements. The debates about the city festival in Demmin reveal that it is not just about legal questions, but also about the values ​​we want to high in society. A respectful exchange and cooperation without discrimination are on the agenda, and the way there requires both legal and social efforts.