Vice President JD Vance has criticized German prosecutors following a segment aired on “60 Minutes” that highlighted the country’s strict enforcement of hate speech laws. The segment, which aired on Sunday, featured interviews with three state prosecutors who asserted that insults, whether made in person or online, are considered illegal in Germany. This legal framework has been in place since 2017 and has led to police actions against individuals for their social media posts, including home raids and the confiscation of electronics.
During the interview, prosecutor Dr. Matthäus Fink explained that insults made online carry a heavier penalty than those exchanged face-to-face, as online comments can persist indefinitely. He emphasized that the permanence of online insults poses a greater risk, stating, “If I insult you or a politician… it sticks around forever.” Another prosecutor, Svenja Meininghaus, noted that even the act of reposting false information can be prosecuted, as it blurs the line between original content and misinformation.
The segment revealed the serious consequences of these laws, including hefty fines for offenders and the potential for jail time for repeat violations. The prosecutors shared their experiences with the public’s reactions to these legal actions, noting that many individuals are often shocked when their devices are confiscated.
In response to the segment, Vance, who spoke at the Munich Security Conference last week, condemned the German hate speech law as “Orwellian.” He argued that criminalizing speech undermines the foundations of free expression and could strain relations between Europe and the United States. Vance took to social media to express his views, stating, “Insulting someone is not a crime, and criminalizing speech is going to put real strain on European-US relationships.” He urged both Europeans and Americans to reject such measures.
Vance’s comments reflect a broader concern about free speech in Europe, where he believes that fear of public opinion is stifling open discourse. He warned that if European leaders continue to suppress the voices of their constituents, it could hinder cooperation with the United States. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of allowing citizens to express their opinions freely, asserting that true security cannot exist in an environment of fear regarding public sentiment.