The German Justice Minister, Stefanie Hubig of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has sharply condemned the recent US entry bans targeting not only former EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton but also the executive directors of the organization “Hate Aid”. Hubig’s remarks, delivered Wednesday, represent a significant pushback against what she characterized as an unacceptable overreach by the US administration.
“The accusations leveled by the US government against the directors of Hate Aid are simply untenable” Hubig stated. The organization, which provides support to victims of unlawful online hate speech, is deemed by Hubig to be playing a crucial role in safeguarding personal rights within the digital sphere. She emphasized the organization’s contribution to freedom of expression online, arguing that the inability to protect individuals from harassment effectively silences democratic discourse.
Hubig directly challenged those describing Hate Aid’s activities as censorship, asserting that such a characterization fundamentally misrepresents the German legal system. She clarified that Hate Aid provides support to affected individuals, crucially, without itself imposing restrictions on expression. “The boundaries of freedom of expression in Germany are defined by the constitution, by the democratically elected legislature and by an independent judiciary – and that must remain the case” she insisted.
The Justice Minister’s statement underscored a clear message: the rules governing digital spaces in Germany and Europe will not be dictated by Washington. Hubig linked the US actions to a broader pattern, asserting that they highlight the discomfort powerful platforms experience when faced with civil society engagement. She drew a parallel to previous measures taken during the Trump administration, suggesting a deliberate attempt to stifle voices challenging corporate power.
The German government, through Hubig’s public declaration, has pledged its unequivocal support and solidarity with the executive directors of Hate Aid, signaling a determined defense of German legal principles and a rejection of external interference in the country’s approach to online rights and freedoms. This stance is expected to fuel further debate surrounding the growing tension between national sovereignty and the influence of US foreign policy.
