Fight for freedom of the press: Prohibition process against Compact starts tomorrow!

Fight for freedom of the press: Prohibition process against Compact starts tomorrow!

Leipzig, Deutschland - On June 10, 2025, the prohibition process against the Compact magazine begins at the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. This process could have far -reaching consequences for freedom of the press in Germany. In 2024, the Ministry of the Interior under Nancy Faeser had given a ban on the magazine, which is based on club law. The process is intended to clarify whether the ban is lawful, although there are numerous concerns about freedom of the press. Compact Online reports that Alina Lipp and Thomas Röper were put on an EU Russia sanction list. As a result, their assets are frozen and their freedom of travel is restricted in the EU. The EU justifies the sanctions with the fact that Lipp and Röper have undermined the democratic process in Germany.

The ban on the compact magazine is discussed controversially. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) banned both the magazine and Conspect Film GmbH, which was classified as right -wing extremist. In four federal states, searches by the offices and apartments of the management and shareholders took place. Lawyer Holm Putzke expresses concerns about the legal basis of the ban, since the ministry has not yet presented any tangible evidence of this. Critics are concerned that such a ban also endangers the framework of freedom of the press.

protests of the alternative media

an informal merger of editor-in-chief of alternative media at the "Alternative-WEF" meeting in Prague in December 2024. This merger aims to protest against the restrictions on freedom of expression. The explanation of this group emphasizes the right to freedom of expression, regardless of the assessment of media products. The ban was classified as a club permit, which requires lower hurdles than a direct interference with freedom of the press.

Political support for the ban comes from the CSU and the Greens, who see the Compact magazine as dangerous for democracy. However, some members of the AfD, like René Springer, see the ban as an illegitimate declaration of war on right -wing politics. This mixed reaction shows the split opinion in society about the role and future of freedom of the press.

Current situation of freedom of the press

An outlook on the general situation of freedom of the press shows that it is still under pressure worldwide. According to Federal Center for Political Education , the situation for journalists continues to deteriorate. Global were 42 countries in 2023 in a "very serious" situation, compared to 28 in 2022. In Germany, press freedom in 2025 ranks 11th with 83.85 points, which is considered satisfactory. Nevertheless, there is a worrying increase in violence against journalists, especially since Corona pandemic.

Overall, the situation indicates that the principles of freedom of the press are considerably under pressure through political decisions and public opinion formation. The Compact magazine and the legal disputes for its existence are symbolic of this trend. In view of the intensive discussions and the legal uncertainties, it remains to be seen how the courts decide and what effects this will have on freedom of expression and press in Germany.