A United Nations expert has raised concerns about the state of free speech in Germany, reporting that many individuals are afraid to express their opinions publicly or online. Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, shared these findings following a multi-city visit to Germany, and urged the country to do more to protect diversity of opinion and debate.
During her visit to Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Karlsruhe, Khan found that fear of expressing views was reported by Jewish students, pro-Palestinian activists, and women’s rights advocates, as well as academics, artists, journalists, and local politicians.
Criminalization Shrinks Debate Space
Khan criticized the German government’s response to these concerns, stating that while authorities take threats seriously, they are reacting through “criminalization”—including bans on certain slogans and surveillance of organizations labeled as extremist. She said this approach contradicts international human rights standards and diminishes the space for democratic debate, accelerating societal polarization and eroding trust in institutions.
Khan also noted that political forces rooted in racist and authoritarian ideologies are weaponizing freedom of expression, contributing to a rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, hostility toward migrants, and gender-based hate.
Report to UN Human Rights Council in June
While acknowledging that discrimination and violence are prohibited, Khan emphasized that offensive speech should be addressed through education, awareness-building, and discussion, not censorship or criminalization. She expressed particular concern over the potential application of anti-terror laws against pro-Palestinian activists.
The Special Rapporteur will present her full report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the UN visit to Germany?
Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, conducted a visit to Germany to assess the state of free speech in the country.
Which groups expressed concerns to the UN expert?
Jüdische Studierende, propalästinensische Aktivisten, Frauenrechtsaktivistinnen, Akademikerinnen, Künstler, Journalistinnen und Lokalpolitiker all expressed concerns to Irene Khan.
When will the full report be available?
The full report detailing Khan’s findings and recommendations will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026.
As Germany grapples with these complex issues, what role should education and open dialogue play in fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society?
