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Scandal Video Back Online! – Despite Threats by Law Firm, Mayor, and City Council Chairman of WeißenfelsThe video recording of the public city council meeting in Weißenfels from November 7, 2024 is back online. The backstory and how the video was taken down can be found HERE! Why was the video republished?There is no resolution by the city council authorizing Mayor Martin Papke and Council Chairman Ekkart Günther to commission the law firm Fehse & Szabo to act against the publication of the video. The firm claimed personal rights of council members who had opposed the release of their speeches, including the chairman himself, who presided over the session.No power of attorney was presented showing that these council members had privately authorized the mayor and chairman to act on their behalf in dealings with the law firm. In the cease-and-desist declaration the law firm wanted signed, it is stated that Mayor Martin Papke and Chairman Ekkart Günther represent the entire city council. This constitutes a (deliberate) misrepresentation / deception. Papke also appears in his role as chief administrative officer of Weißenfels (mayor). However, since this only concerns some council members as private individuals, this action is likely unlawful. The council members who are thus *not* represented are: Christopher Hesselbarth, Beatrix Schierhorn, Michael Spengler, Angela Braune, Beate Schlegel, Walter Wolter, Heidi Föhre, Jana Loth, Mike Koch-Frischleder, Jörg Riemer, Sandy Scheunpflug, Ekkart Günther, Silke Krause, Johannes Kunze, Dr. Burcin Özüyaman, and Horst Ziegler. Lawfare Against Press FreedomTo me, this is a clear case of lawfare against press freedom. Intimidation tactics involving large financial threats and legal maneuvers without legal basis are being used to silence the press and suppress the publication of the council meeting.This is not a new tactic. During the pandemic years, such behavior intensified to silence critical voices. One memorable case was that of *Compact Magazine*. Even today, politicians continue to go after critics—under the pretext of supposed hate speech. The most recent example is the “Moron-Gate” scandal triggered by Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck. Such conduct is unworthy of a democracy.Politicians who act this way clearly do not understand freedom of speech, press freedom, transparency, or democracy. They fail to grasp that they are accountable to the public. In my opinion, this disqualifies them from holding city council positions.The fact that Mayor Martin Papke is involved in this behavior also casts serious doubt on his understanding of democracy. What happens next?The video is back online. Now, viewers can form their own opinions—especially regarding the arguments and votes on the IKIG project. What’s particularly noticeable is the significant lack of information among council members, as many things remain unclear—or, as upcoming articles will reveal, they have been misled by misinformation and false narratives.Responsibility for potential additional costs, which may arise for the city of Weißenfels if the IKIG project fails or does not function as intended, is to be offloaded to a planned joint municipal association. Ultimately, however, the cities of Weißenfels, Lützen, Teuchern, and Hohenmölsen would have to bear these costs. Will the law firm, on behalf of the mayor and council chairman, escalate the matter and go to court?Whether further legal action will come from the law firm remains to be seen. If they do take the case to court, I will report on it here. It would confirm that a significant number of democracy-deniers sit on the council, attempting to intimidate the press through lawfare and threatening the existence of *Bürgerstimme*.I’m quite experienced when it comes to legal proceedings, due to numerous cases related to my daughter, and I see very good prospects in this matter. If the law firm does take it to court, I have absolutely no fear. The IKIG issue, in particular, demonstrates how important independent journalism is. Even if it’s “just” about funding, it’s still taxpayer money, coming from the people. The actions of the named council members and the mayor have made it crystal clear who has no regard for democracy. I can easily imagine a second attempt by the law firm. After all, there is now the issue that the legal fees might have to be paid personally by Martin Papke and Ekkart Günther. If they try to have the city of Weißenfels cover the lawyer’s bill, that would be equally problematic and likely bordering on embezzlement. Of course, that judgment lies with others. Standing up with full force for the free democratic basic orderAt this point, I would like to quote the much-loved District Administrator Götz Ulrich (CDU), who said at the district council meeting on March 11, 2024: “We all know who used such tools of intimidation, repression, and threats, and where such things can lead… But as a Christian, I firmly believe that you and your accomplices will be held accountable one day. Until then, I say to you: I will stand firm against these Nazi methods and continue to stand with full force for the free democratic basic order, wherever it is needed.”Support the Fight for Democracy, Transparency, and Press FreedomAnyone who can and wants to support *Bürgerstimme* in its fight for democracy and press freedom can find bank details and a PayPal link below. Taking this case to court—something that still might happen—is, unfortunately, not cheap.Any support beyond that is always welcome to help expand reporting. It’s vital that the sovereign—the people—hold politicians accountable, speak up, and don’t allow themselves to be silenced or intimidated!So far, I have refrained from filing charges against lawyer Fehse, Mayor Martin Papke, and Council Chairman Ekkart Günther for coercion under §240 of the Criminal Code, extortion under §253, fraud under §263, threats under §241, and potential impersonation of office under §132. I am someone who prefers to resolve things on equal footing. I see myself, and everyone else, as human beings. If someone holds a political office, I do not see them as my superior who can dictate terms at will. Politicians simply cannot do that. Likewise, administrative staff cannot issue arbitrary directives—they must enact administrative acts that are properly justified and subject to legal challenge. A lawyer may have studied law, but that doesn’t mean they are automatically right, no matter how convincingly they try to present their case. Just because I have not filed charges does not mean that others could not do so—or that the public prosecutor won’t start investigating on its own once aware of the incident. Author: AI-Translation - Michael Thurm | 21.11.2024 |
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