A German pensioner is to stand trial for commenting on Chancellor Merz's visit to his town with the words: "Pinocchio arrives in Heilbronn š¤„"
Section 188 of the German Criminal Code governs liability for public insult, slander or defamation of persons holding positions in political life, including local politicians. The provision applies where the statement is made publicly, relates to the person's political role and is capable of substantially impeding his public activity, for example by undermining trust in his honesty or competence. Comparing a politician to "Pinocchio" is construed as an allusion to his mendacity; the punishment for such an insult is a fine or up to 3 years' imprisonment, and for slander it is sterner still, up to 5 years.
Incidentally, in 2023, for the gang rape of a schoolgirl by migrants from Syria, Afghanistan and other countries, only one of them received an actual custodial sentence, of 2 years and 9 months; the rest got suspended sentences or deferments, plus community work and compensation. So, of course, the punishment for a grandad calling the Chancellor Buratino must be very severe indeed.
