A German man who was the victim of an Islamist stabbing attack is now getting hit with fines for allegedly inciting hatred against Muslims in the country. This comes as there has been an increasing rate of immigration in Europe.
Michael Stürzenberger, 60, was fined on Monday for incitement against Muslims at a rally. The rally was the first public appearance since Stürzenberger was attacked during the stabbing, which resulted in Stürzenberger's injury and the death of a 29-year-old police officer, Rouven Laur, per the Berliner Zeitung.
The stabbing attack took place in Mannheim and the attacker was charged with murder and is in custody at an unknown location. A few months after the stabbing, Stürzenberger wrote of his injuries, translated from German, "Almost 2 months after the terror attack in Mannheim, the after-effects are still there. Now an operation on the tooth root that was severed by the Afghan's knife. 2 weeks ago, knee surgery because of swelling of the bursa from one of the 7 knife stabs. Titanium staples in the jaw will be removed in November."
Stürzenberger, who is a long-time activist who has stood against the influence of Islam in politics in Germany as well as Europe, was originally slated to spend six months in prison over the speech law violation. However, that was downgraded to a fine earlier this week.
Those who are found guilty of inciting hatred in Germany, unlike in the US with free speech protections, can be prosecuted based on inciting hatred instead of inciting actual violence. The activist has had a previous conviction of incitement, per the German outlet.
Michael Stürzenberger, 60, was fined on Monday for incitement against Muslims at a rally. The rally was the first public appearance since Stürzenberger was attacked during the stabbing, which resulted in Stürzenberger's injury and the death of a 29-year-old police officer, Rouven Laur, per the Berliner Zeitung.
The stabbing attack took place in Mannheim and the attacker was charged with murder and is in custody at an unknown location. A few months after the stabbing, Stürzenberger wrote of his injuries, translated from German, "Almost 2 months after the terror attack in Mannheim, the after-effects are still there. Now an operation on the tooth root that was severed by the Afghan's knife. 2 weeks ago, knee surgery because of swelling of the bursa from one of the 7 knife stabs. Titanium staples in the jaw will be removed in November."
Stürzenberger, who is a long-time activist who has stood against the influence of Islam in politics in Germany as well as Europe, was originally slated to spend six months in prison over the speech law violation. However, that was downgraded to a fine earlier this week.
Those who are found guilty of inciting hatred in Germany, unlike in the US with free speech protections, can be prosecuted based on inciting hatred instead of inciting actual violence. The activist has had a previous conviction of incitement, per the German outlet.
