The police may not prohibit the NPD in the opinion of the Lower Saxony Higher Administrative Court to demonstrate on Saturday in Hannover against critical journalists. Thus, the judges confirmed on Friday evening in Lüneburg the decision of the Administrative Court of Hanover from the same day.
It correctly considered that the reasons given by the Police Directorate did not justify a complete ban on the Assembly, the Higher Administrative Court said. The police department as a meeting authority can now call the Federal Constitutional Court. One advises on the further procedure, said a police spokesman in the evening.
The police department Hannover had banned the demo with reference to an immediate threat to public safety. On the other hand, the NPD appealed to the Hanover Administrative Court - with success. The court ruled that a total ban on the demo was not proportionate. In turn, the Police Department of Hanover appealed against this decision to the Higher Administrative Court. The neo-Nazi demo addresses, among others, the NDR journalist Julian Feldmann, who reports on the right-wing extremist scene.
Four-digit number of counter-demonstrators expected
The Eleventh Senate of the Lower Saxony Higher Administrative Court argued that there were no identifiable circumstances in which the demonstration "would most likely endanger public safety". Nor does the Assembly disproportionately affect the freedom of the press.
In total, a four-digit number of participants is expected in Hannover on several counter-demonstrations on Saturday. Interior Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) wants to speak at the main rally of the alliance "Bunt statt Braun" in the afternoon. He had previously condemned threats by right-wing extremists against dissidents and journalists. "All this leads to a climate that permanently damages our society."
As a reaction to the NPD campaign, journalists, media companies and associations had already launched the call "Protect the Press Freedom!" Last week. released. In the appeal of numerous journalists, editors-in-chief and associations, the Press Council, publishers and editors are invited to show solidarity with threatened colleagues. Politicians are asked to better protect journalists.