Escalation of State Persecution Against Journalists in Germany: Reichelt Case Sparks Renewed Alarm
The Berlin State Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into Julian Reichelt, former editor-in-chief of Bild and current head of the right-leaning news portal Nius, on suspicion of incitement to hatred (Volksverhetzung). The probe, triggered by a single X post from April 1, 2025, accusing German police of infiltration by „criminal clans,“ has reignited fierce debate over press freedom and the limits of political speech. As Germany navigates a polarized political landscape ahead of next year’s federal elections, this case highlights a troubling trend: the increasing use of criminal law to silence journalists perceived as challenging the establishment narrative. The Reichelt Post at the Center of the Storm The investigation centers on an X post where Reichelt commented on a tabloid report alleging two federal police officers, identified as Ahmet K. and Hakan A., were involved in drug trafficking. „Ahmet…


