After house search because of “idiot” meme: Court orders ban on interviews in trial

In November of last year, the police suddenly called the doorbell of pensioner Stefan Niehoff . He was subsequently subjected to a house search. The reason: Niehoff had shared a photo of Robert Habeck on X with the caption "Idiot Professional." The pensioner is also alleged to have shared posts by other users that constitute incitement to hatred and compare grievances in today's Germany with conditions during the Nazi era.

The trial, which will begin on June 18, will focus exclusively on the distribution of "identifying symbols of former National Socialist organizations" and incitement to hatred. The "idiot" meme is not part of the charges. Nevertheless, the court has already issued unusual bans – including for journalists.

The court invokes the “household rights of the court administration”

As reported by Die Welt, the judge is said to have issued a comprehensive order containing prohibitions and rules of conduct for journalists and spectators. In it, he not only prohibits "sound, film, and image recordings in the courtroom and – beyond – in the entire courthouse," which is not uncommon in high-profile trials.

What is unusual, however, is the restrictive interview regulations: "Interviews or interview-like conversations, especially with parties to the proceedings, are not permitted in the courtroom or in the entire court building." According to Die Welt, the court did not specify what "interview-like conversations" meant. The order is based on the "household rights of the court administration."

This decision had to be balanced "between the interest in a proper meeting on the one hand and the high level of media interest and freedom of the press on the other." Finally, the court emphasized the need to "maintain general business operations, the interests of other persons and employees, and the preservation of escape routes."

The court clarified that "interview initiations"—that is, brief conversations outside the courtroom—are certainly permitted, and that the establishment of a media zone for interviews is being considered. But if so, then only in this area. In the past, the accused pensioner Stefan Niehoff had repeatedly spoken publicly about the case and the house search. Niehoff's lawyer is former AfD politician Markus Pretzell.