Lawsuit against Jamel rocks the forester”: alcohol ban in danger!

Lawsuit against Jamel rocks the forester”: alcohol ban in danger!

The anti-right music festival “Jamel rocks the Förster” is facing a major legal challenge. The organizers, Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer, filed a lawsuit with the administrative court in Schwerin today after an urgent application failed in May. This involved a rent of around 7,800 euros, which is charged by the municipality for the use of public land. “Jamel rocks the forester”, which has been taking place since 2007, is supported by the DGB Nord and IG Metall and is scheduled to take place in Gägelow on August 22nd and 23rd, but the Lohmeyers have decided to press ahead with the legal clarification,” reports the Ostsee-Zeitung.

The lawsuit relates to several points. According to the Lohmeyers, they did not register the festival as a musical event, but rather as a gathering over 18 days. This means that under the right of assembly they actually do not have to pay any rent and are allowed to use public areas free of charge. The administrative court also determined in an earlier decision that there is no obligation to pay fees for meetings in order to ensure that even less well-off people can exercise their fundamental right to freedom of assembly. In this sense, the Lohmeyers were awarded the Order of Merit of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania because they are actively committed to combating right-wing extremism.

About the legal framework

When assessing the lawsuit, the question also arises about the requirements that could possibly come into force, such as the threatened ban on alcohol. District Administrator Tino Schomann was critical of the situation and emphasized that alcohol was not necessary for a political message. He also sees no urgency, as the festival doesn't take place until the end of August and there is enough time for clarification.

In the current discussion it is also clear that the use of municipal land is not possible without a usage agreement and without paying the usage fee. Schomann emphasizes that the public must maintain safety and order and that clear framework conditions must be set for the festival. While the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen whether the Lohmeyers can avoid the costs of the lease.

The challenges of the festival

“Jamel rocks the forester” has established itself as an important platform against right-wing extremism. The event has been attracting people who want to set an example for democracy and tolerance for years. The festival takes place in a village characterized by neo-Nazis and has therefore developed into an important meeting point for like-minded people.

The legal hurdles that now lie before the organizers are challenging. From paying the main usage fee to the possible restrictions on alcohol consumption, there are many aspects that could put a strain on the festival. But the Lohmeyers don't let this get them down and are doing everything they can to ensure that the festival takes place this year too.