The German Ministry of the Interior and several left-wing NGOs have launched a counselling centre aimed at people who believe that family members or friends are spreading “conspiracy theories”. What sounds like a dystopian vision of the future is reality.
Government against “conspiracy theories”
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser defends the initiative by claiming that “conspiracy theories go hand in hand with lies and disinformation”. In their opinion, they serve to divide society and undermine trust in science, the media and democratic institutions.
Faeser also warns of possible extremism that could emerge from such theories. “Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories are spread particularly frequently,” said the minister – but without giving concrete examples.
Another argument: Many people are no longer open to rational arguments. Since an “open dialogue is often not possible”, state support for relatives is needed. For example, the “National Counselling Centre” is staged as an “important building block in the fight against extremism and disinformation”.
A hotline for government loyalists?
In Germany, there is now an official authority that is supposed to convince relatives of people critical of the government that their loved ones are dangerous. A hotline is available to persuade those affected that the state is the only true authority. Critics speak of a “cognitive, emotional and spiritual war”, as medical consultant Wendy Mittemeijer puts it.
Former MEP Rob Roos commented on the development with the words: “The GDR is back.”
Ban on opposition media
Nancy Faeser has already attracted attention in the past with tough measures against opposition media. For example, it had the monthly magazine “Compact” banned and raids carried out in the editorial offices and the homes of those responsible. The reason: “right-wing extremism”. But a court later lifted the ban.
The attempt to make criticism of the state a punishable offence is also no longer a secret. Faeser let it be known: “Anyone who makes fun of the state must face a strong state.” According to the government, the means of “defending democracy” are freezing bank deposits, travel bans and restrictions on freedom of association.
A worrying development
What is happening here under the guise of fighting extremism is not only reminiscent of totalitarian regimes of the past, but also represents a direct attack on freedom of expression. With the establishment of a state surveillance and denunciation structure, Germany is moving in a direction that contradicts the principles of an open society.
Critical voices are increasingly pathologized and silenced by repressive measures. Who decides what a “conspiracy theory” is? The government itself? The Boundaries Between Protection
Translated and edited by L. Earth