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Racism scandal in Cyprus: Göttingen police are investigating filmmakers!
Göttingen police investigate racist video of German vacationers in Cyprus; legal consequences unclear.
Racism scandal in Cyprus: Göttingen police are investigating filmmakers!
In recent days, a racist video showing young men in Cyprus has caused outrage. The police in Göttingen started the investigation after the spokesman for the Göttingen public prosecutor, Andreas Buick, viewed the video. It shows a group of men in Ayia Napa, some of whom are seen with bottles in their hands and two of whom are seen shirtless. At least two men chanted racist slogans, including the N-word, and one person made a gesture reminiscent of the Nazi salute. The scenario is worrying and the question arises as to how far the consequences will reach.
The video was initially shared in a private Snapchat group under the name “Agia Napa 2025” before being released to the public. A crucial point is that only the person who filmed the video could be prosecuted under German criminal law. The members of the men's group who made the racist statements cannot be legally prosecuted in Germany. According to Section 3 of the Criminal Code, German criminal law only applies to acts that take place within the country. It is interesting to see whether Cypriot authorities are currently investigating, as racially motivated statements could be punishable in Cyprus as public incitement to hatred and violence.
Consequences for other incidents too
Similar incidents recently occurred on Sylt, where another video shows young people shouting racist slogans to the tune of “Làmour Toujours”. The State Security Commissioner has also started investigations here. According to the police in Flensburg, further suspects could possibly be identified. The SPD politician Sawsan Chebli expressed concern about the behavior of the perpetrators, who, in her opinion, feel safe.
Lawyer Sören Grigutsch explained that the chanted slogans could be classified as incitement to hatred according to Section 130 of the Criminal Code. If convicted, people over the age of 21 face prison sentences of three months to five years. Adolescents between the ages of 18 and 20 are subject to either juvenile or adult criminal law, while young people between the ages of 14 and 17 are subject to other penalties, but it is still the same crime.
The fine line of freedom of expression
As in the German legal system, freedom of expression is at the heart of these debates. This is a fundamental human right that is indispensable for the democratic order. Nevertheless, it is not considered a free pass for racist defamation and slogans. The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) obliges contracting states such as Germany to punish the spread of racist ideas, a circumstance that must not be lost from focus.
The Institute for Human Rights points out that regulatory measures are also possible to protect the population from racist propaganda. Especially at a time when awareness of racism and discrimination is growing, it is crucial to draw clear boundaries and recognize the responsibility that each individual bears. Civic education and interventions against racist statements are central components of a respectful society.
The developments surrounding the incidents in Cyprus and Sylt make it clear that it is time for society to take a clear stand against racist statements.