‘Nazi slut’: German court rules ‘satirical’ insult of AfD leader is acceptable
Calling a far-right politician a "Nazi slut" on television is perfectly acceptable, according to a German court, which ruled that a TV presenter was being satirical when he said those very words about an Alternative for Germany (AfD) politician last month.
When AfD leader Alice Weidel said during a Cologne party conference that political correctness belongs in the dustbin of history, comedian Christian Ehring responded by putting her words to the test.
“Alright then, political correctness is over – let’s all be incorrect to each other. The Nazi slut is right there,” Ehring said while hosting his ‘Extra 3’ program.
Failing to see the ‘comedic value’ in Ehring's joke, Weidel took legal action against the presenter, saying his words were defamatory and put her in danger.
However, a Hamburg court disagreed with Weidel on Wednesday, ruling that the phrase was clearly a joke about the politician's reference to political correctness.
It ruled that the word 'Nazi' referenced the fact that "within large sections of the public, the AfD is viewed as right-wing or even far right-wing," according to the Local and DPA.
It went on to state that while the word 'slut' has a sexual connotation, it is clear to the viewer that “the description was used because the complainant is a woman, and that the comment in no way is truthful.”
The judgement also stated that satirical exaggeration is protected by German laws on freedom of speech, and that Weidel, as a public figure, must accept being the target of exaggerated satire.
Weidel has announced she will appeal the decision.
“This ruling shows how far you can go under the cover of satire in Germany. That such aggressive defamation also poses a threat to Ms Weidel’s safety doesn’t seem to bother the court,” AfD spokesman Christian Luth said.
The ruling comes less than one week after Weidel made headlines for accusing German Chancellor Angela Merkel of being "insane."
"Donald Trump said that Merkel is insane and I absolutely agree with that. It is a completely nonsensical form of politics that is being followed here," she told the Local.
The AfD is known for its anti-Islam, anti-EU, and anti-immigration views. While it experienced a boost in support during the European refugee crisis, this has dwindled as the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany has decreased.
Although the party is hoping to enter Germany's national parliament for the first time in its four-year history in September, all of the country's mainstream parties have ruled out working with the AfD in a coalition, should it be successful in winning seats.
