German state plans to criminalize questioning Israel’s right to exist (Anadolu Agency, 2026-04-22)

German state plans to criminalize questioning Israel’s right to exist (Anadolu Agency, 2026-04-22)

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-state-plans-to-criminalize-questioning-israel-s-right-to-exist/3915231
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>> Denying Israel’s right to exist could soon be punishable by law in the southern German state of Hesse, the Zeit weekly newspaper reported Wednesday.

>> Hesse’s Prime Minister Boris Rhein and his Justice Minister Christian Heinz are planning to present a corresponding bill Thursday.

>> The bill is then scheduled to be introduced in Germany’s upper house, the Bundesrat, on May 8...

>> Critics of the bill say the move is aimed at stifling any kind of criticism of Israel.

>> German law does not criminalize the act of questioning Israel's right to exist. While German authorities have severely restricted pro-Palestinian speech, the courts have recently clarified the limits of the restrictions, ruling that the speech is generally protected by freedom of expression​​​​​​​…

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