Lawsuit Filed Against Dobrindt Over Antisemitism Claim

Berlin's Left Party and politician Elif Eralp have initiated a criminal complaint against Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, according to their lawyer. The complaint alleges that the CSU politician adopted a statement labeling Eralp an "antisemite." This action, the lawyer Jasper Prigge told dpa, fulfills the criteria for defamation and insult.

The case stems from an exchange on the ZDF program "Maybrit Illner" on Thursday. During a debate between Dobrindt and Left Party parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek, moderator Maybrit Illner mistakenly said, "Elif Eralp says she is an antisemite... She is not an antisemite." Dobrindt responded with "Well, yes she is."

Lawyer Prigge argues that Dobrindt appropriated Illner's slip of the tongue, constituting defamation under criminal law by stating a false factual claim. He further contends it amounts to an insult, as being labeled an antisemite is "considerably damaging to one's reputation."

The complaint states: "The act is also likely to significantly hinder Ms. Eralp's public work. The Interior Minister's dissemination of the false claim on television that Ms. Eralp would say she is an antisemite is capable of impairing her integrity as a political office holder and thus the formation of government in the state of Berlin."

Eralp's party emerged as the strongest force in Berlin's state election on September 20, securing 25.7 percent of the vote. Eralp is aiming for the position of Governing Mayor within a red-green-red coalition. Accusations of antisemitism have been leveled against her party.

Dobrindt stated the previous week in Kloster Banz that the Left Party in Berlin "quite obviously tolerates antisemites and extremists in its circles." Eralp had previously and subsequently distanced herself from all forms of antisemitism and calls for violence, affirming Israel's right to exist.