the German interior Minister, Horst Seehofer (CSU) is not a criminal complaint against a “taz”-a journalist because of a police critical column. The Ministry of the interior announced on Thursday in Berlin.
Seehofer wants to talk instead, with the “taz”-editor-in-chief about the controversial police-critical column. “In addition, I will address myself to the German press Council, the admission for the observance of ethical Standards and responsibility in journalism, as well as for preserving the reputation of the press”, the Minister announced in a Thursday morning published message.
“Finally, I am of the opinion that with the column through the dehumanizing word choice also constitutes a criminal offence will be fulfilled.” To do this, criminal charges would be available already. “The offences are partially in check by the public Prosecutor ex officio.”
The Minister also stressed: “I’m in the process of initiated the discussion is not about law enforcement of a Person and certainly not an intervention in the freedom of the press.” He added: “for Me, it is, on the contrary, is that we urgently need to conduct a societal discussion of how we handle in this company with each other and where the boundaries of discussion are.”
Seehofer had announced on Sunday in the “Bild”newspaper, the author on Monday due to a police critical column view, this is, however, not done and further tests announced. For Tuesday, the Minister said all public appointments. Also on Wednesday he decided not with reference to a full schedule yet.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) spoke with Seehofer on the topic of how government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday. Also on the sidelines of the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, you spoke with the Minister briefly about how the Deputy government spokesperson Ulrike Demmer said. Basically, Merkel and Seehofer, are the importance of press freedom in a democracy, agreed.
