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Censorship Is Still Happening – Freedom of the Press Is Inconvenient – Even in Our Region


Ah, how wonderful it would be if politics could simply be what many officials secretly seem to wish it were: an elitist parlor game behind closed doors. No pesky journalists asking questions. No critical citizens connecting the dots. No crude YouTubers spreading memes. Just ruling straight through – efficiently, majestically, and free from criticism.


Fortunately, some politicians might say, the cleanup is well underway. Legislation is conveniently vague, and criticism of those in power is elegantly criminalized under the guise of “insulting the authorities.” The case of David Bendels is another prime example. Seven months in prison – suspended for two years – because he dared to post a meme claiming outgoing Interior Minister Nancy Faeser hates freedom of expression. A bold claim? Perhaps. But ironically, the verdict only proved the point.


And even that sentence was too lenient for the prosecution! They plan to appeal – after all, an example must be set. It’s not enough to harass critics – they must be destroyed. Freedom of expression is no longer being restricted – it’s being strangled. And all of it perfectly legal.


But even away from the national stage, press freedom has become a nuisance – for example, in the charming Burgenlandkreis. There, Weissenfels city council chairman Ekkart Günther rules – a man who apparently views democracy as a tiresome duty. He dislikes that city council meetings in Weißenfels are recorded. No, he doesn't want to be seen, nor does he want his voice to be heard. Public office – yes. Public accountability – no, thank you!

Any justification for his attacks on the press and public? None. Not that he needs one. Anyone who sees themselves as a provincial Sun King doesn’t concern themselves with laws like the Administrative Procedures Act. Transparency? Accountability? Civil rights? Too much effort.

And the trend continues at the district level. Freelance journalists who want to record a district council meeting must “register” beforehand. Not request approval, not apply for permission – just register. Sounds simple, right? But beware if the information wasn’t submitted in time – as in October 2024, when District Administrator Götz Ulrich stood firm. A late registration? No, thanks. A factual justification from the administrator? Unthinkable.

You have to ask: Why do we even have laws if following them is purely arbitrary?

And then there was last Monday. A celebration of tolerance, diversity, and openness – if you believe the organizers’ rhetoric. But the moment a critical journalist appeared, the colorful facade vanished, leaving only cold rejection and clear opposition.


Germany 2025: A country that, on paper and in platitudes, claims to uphold democracy, while steadily dismantling it piece by piece. Freedom of the press and expression are hailed as top values – but heaven forbid anyone actually use them. Then they become a target – while the very forces trampling these values present themselves as defenders of democracy.

Opposition? Critical voices? Inconvenient questions? All of it must be silenced. So that the new noble class – whether in parliament or on local councils – can continue to bask in their own glory, undisturbed.


And let’s not forget the self-appointed moral guardians of social media. Zealous, relentless, and often operating at the lowest level, they loyally echo the political class – as good subjects should – and spread hatred and agitation against those they accuse of doing the same. Every trace of criticism aimed at the esteemed elite in their political seats is now labeled as hate speech.

On May 3rd, it's the International Day of Press Freedom – or rather: the Day of Real Satire.



Censorship Is Still Happening

Postscript: As if this weren’t satire enough, Facebook deleted the post shortly after the link was shared in the Facebook group Bürgerstimme.net. It's getting hard to keep up with all the head-shaking.

Author: AI Translation - Michael Thurm  |  10.05.2025

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