The EU sanctioned me and my media outlet for covering Palestine protests in Germany. It’s part of Europe’s growing authoritarianism and militarism, cloaked in language of fighting disinformation and defending democracy.
by Hüseyin Dogru
Part 4 - Germany – outsourcing repression to the EU
My case also reveals how the fundamentally undemocratic structures of the EU are now being used by member states like Germany to bypass their own legal constraints. German authorities had surveilled red. for months but never questioned or charged me. Why? Because there is simply no evidence for them to win in court and prosecuting a journalist would also have provoked public backlash – at a time when international criticism of Israel’s genocide is intensifying.
At the same time, Germany is facing increased scrutiny for its unconditional support of Israel and its exceptional repression of Palestine solidarity. As Amnesty International put it, this level of repression “feels unbelievable in a Europe that boasts about its leadership in human rights.”
And how has Germany responded to criticism from an organisation whose reports on countries like Iran it readily cites to lecture others? Not with more accountability – but with even less. It has begun outsourcing its repression to Brussels.
At the same time, Germany is facing increased scrutiny for its unconditional support of Israel and its exceptional repression of Palestine solidarity. As Amnesty International put it, this level of repression “feels unbelievable in a Europe that boasts about its leadership in human rights.”
And how has Germany responded to criticism from an organisation whose reports on countries like Iran it readily cites to lecture others? Not with more accountability – but with even less. It has begun outsourcing its repression to Brussels.
The EU’s sanctions regime allows politicians – not judges – to impose life-altering penalties with zero oversight. There is no trial, no burden of proof. I now live under conditions more severe than some convicted criminals: banned from travel, excluded from the banking system, and unable to provide for my family.
A mafia boss can have their account frozen and simply open a new one elsewhere. I cannot.
This strategy won’t stop with me. As Germany’s ruling class intensifies its assault on the living and working conditions of ordinary people, there will be more protests, more resistance, more journalists and organizers to target.
Since October 7, 2023, I have argued that Germany’s unprecedented crackdown on Palestine solidarity is not just an attack on Palestinians or Muslims – it is an attack on German society as a whole. By targeting the most vulnerable voices – migrants, Muslims, and critical journalists – the state is sending a message to everyone: if you dissent, you will be next.
A mafia boss can have their account frozen and simply open a new one elsewhere. I cannot.
This strategy won’t stop with me. As Germany’s ruling class intensifies its assault on the living and working conditions of ordinary people, there will be more protests, more resistance, more journalists and organizers to target.
Since October 7, 2023, I have argued that Germany’s unprecedented crackdown on Palestine solidarity is not just an attack on Palestinians or Muslims – it is an attack on German society as a whole. By targeting the most vulnerable voices – migrants, Muslims, and critical journalists – the state is sending a message to everyone: if you dissent, you will be next.
Germany is rapidly moving to become a leading military power within NATO. Its staggering rearmament is being financed by squeezing workers, slashing public services, and eroding social protections. The state wants the working class to know what’s in store if it dares to think about rising to defend itself. And if the EU can help them shut down dissent in advance, all the better.
Source, links:
Comments
Post a Comment