Dobrindt and Linnemann
Union politicians are calling for tougher penalties for anti-Semitism
“Anyone who agitates against Israel should expect at least six months in prison”: Alexander Dobrindt. photo
© Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
CSU regional group leader Dobrindt wants a “tough course against Jew and Israel haters with consistency and severity.” CDU General Secretary Linnemann insists on a “mandatory integration agreement”.
Leading Union politicians have called for tougher penalties for anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements. “There is imported anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel in Germany,” said the CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt of “Bild am Sonntag”. “There needs to be a tough course against Jew and Israel haters with consistency and severity.” Without a commitment to Israel’s right to exist, there should no longer be any asylum or other protection status in Germany. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann demanded the same thing in the newspaper.
Terror supporters with dual passports should have their German passports revoked and a ban on staying in Germany imposed, Dobrindt demanded. “Anyone who incites hatred against Israel should expect at least six months in prison; anti-Semitism should be classified as a particularly serious case of sedition.”
Linnemann said: “It is crucial that those who come to Germany accept our values. This requires a binding integration agreement.” He said: “Anyone who doesn’t comply with this in reality has forfeited their right of residence and has to leave the country.” It is “high time to take a closer look at and combat Muslim anti-Semitism.”
The offense of “inciting insult”
People who incite hatred or insult other groups can already be charged with sedition. Two years ago, the offense of “inciting insult” was introduced, which is aimed at hate messages that are spread online via direct message. At that time, there was already a very similar debate in Germany on the occasion of an escalation in the conflict between the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and Israel, which then ended with a ceasefire brokered by Egypt.
In addition, a paragraph of the Criminal Code was added in 2021 that deals with the punishment in the event of a conviction – since then, anti-Semitic motives have been explicitly mentioned as reasons that can lead to a higher sentence. It is also forbidden to insult foreign flags, such as the Israeli one. Breach of the peace can also be a criminal offense, for example during aggressive demonstrations.
Citizenship can currently only be revoked in a few cases, for example if the person took part in hostilities by terrorist groups abroad – in this case the German IS fighters – or if they intentionally provided false information when granting it.