Hamburg, December 11 – The Hamburg State Office for the Protection of the Constitution (LfV) will no longer pursue legal action against Left Party Member of Parliament Deniz Celik. Celik had publicly stated that the LfV was characterized by “cover-ups, informant scandals, and repeatedly by the protection of right-wing networks.”
LfV Retracts Injunction Application Following Court Hint
A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry confirmed that the application for an interim injunction, filed with the regional court to prohibit Celik’s statement about the LfV, has been withdrawn. This decision came after the court indicated that Celik’s statement should be considered a value judgment, not a factual assertion, and was therefore “admissible after the court’s balancing of interests.”
The LfV had initially sought the injunction to prevent Celik from repeating his criticisms, arguing that his statements were factually incorrect. However, the court’s preliminary assessment suggested that such criticisms fall within the bounds of free speech as an opinion rather than a verifiable fact.
Celik Calls It an “Unfathomable Process”
The Left Party faction described the incident as an “embarrassment” for the LfV. Celik himself characterized it as an “unfathomable process that the Office for the Protection of the Constitution wanted to muzzle us.” He added that an authority attempting to legally prohibit criticism of its handling of right-wing structures clearly demonstrates that “the critics are not the problem, but the Office for the Protection of the Constitution itself.”
Celik’s original statements highlighted concerns about the LfV’s alleged failures in addressing right-wing extremism, a sensitive topic in German politics. His comments resonated with supporters who believe that the agency needs greater accountability and transparency.
LfV Maintains Its Assessment, Respects Court’s View
Despite withdrawing the legal application, the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution maintained its assessment that Celik’s statement was factually incorrect. A spokesperson reiterated, “The fight against right-wing extremism is part of the DNA of the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution.” However, the spokesperson added, “The inaccurate statement by Deniz Celik, which contradicts this, will not be further defended by the LfV Hamburg out of respect for the legal assessment.”
This stance indicates a delicate balance for the LfV between defending its reputation and respecting judicial guidance on freedom of expression. The agency’s commitment to combating right-wing extremism remains a core tenet, even as it navigates public and political scrutiny.
Solidarity Action for Celik in Hamburg
Approximately 30 people demonstrated in downtown Hamburg in solidarity with Celik. This protest occurred after the LfV had initially filed its legal action against him, underscoring the public interest and political implications of the dispute. The demonstration highlighted the broader debate about the role and oversight of intelligence agencies in a democratic society.
The controversy has sparked a wider discussion between the LfV and the Hamburg Left Party, with both sides exchanging accusations. The LfV had demanded a cease-and-desist declaration from Celik, who in turn countered with his strong critique of the agency’s operations.
The withdrawal of the legal action marks a significant development in this ongoing dispute, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between factual claims and value judgments in public discourse, especially when it involves state institutions and political criticism.
The incident also sheds light on the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in maintaining public trust while fulfilling their mandate to protect the constitutional order.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/hamburger-verfassungsschutz-zieht-klage-gegen-linken-politiker-celik-zurueck,kurzehh-1802.html
