Complaint against ban - Is the possession of 'Compact'-notebooks a crime?
Possible consequences of the ban on the far-right magazine "Compact" are primarily causing discussions online. Some owners of issues of the magazine are concerned that it may now also affect them.
Claim
Owning "Compact" magazines is now a criminal offense due to the ban.
Assessment
False. However, there can be consequences for distributing them.
Facts
The ban ordered by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) on July 16 applies to the publishing company of the "Compact" magazine, Compact-Magazin GmbH, as well as Conspect Film GmbH. According to the BMI, both companies are acting against constitutional order. The magazine may no longer be published. Legaly, this is a corporate ban. The company is defending itself before the Federal Administrative Court.
For owners of "Compact" magazines, the ban has no effect: "The mere possession of 'Compact' magazines is not a criminal offense in itself," explained a BMI spokesperson to dpa inquiry. Legally, the ban primarily targets the companies and prohibits them as organizations.
How owners of magazines could be made liable
However, there are consequences to be expected with distribution. With the ban order, logos and symbols of "Compact" are no longer allowed. They may not be publicly used in a gathering for the duration of the ban. In addition, any form of distribution of the magazines is now punishable - for example, by sale. This also applies to "Compact" videos with the forbidden symbols.
Exceptions apply, however, if the symbols are used for clarification about unconstitutional endeavors.
It remains to be seen whether the "Compact" ban will hold up. In the end, the courts will decide whether the ministry's actions were justified.
BMI press release from July 16, 2024
- The Federal Administrative Court is currently processing the challenge against the ban ordered by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) on the publication of "Compact" magazine.
- Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg have expressed their support for the BMI's decision to ban the "Compact" magazine, citing its promotion of extremist views.
- The Media sector has widely criticized the ban, arguing that it infringes on freedom of speech and expression.
- The BMI has stated that the ban primarily affects the publishing company, Compact-Magazin GmbH, and Conspect Film GmbH, which are deemed to be acting against the constitutional order.
- Despite the ban, the mere possession of "Compact" magazines is not a criminal offense in Germany, according to a spokesperson from the Federal Interior Ministry.
- The State of Leipzig, located in Saxony, has distanced itself from the ban, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of the press and expression in democratic societies.
