Lemmy account of Voxel, for more information see:

Former account: voxel@feddit.uk

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Joined 2 months ago
Cake day: June 11th, 2026
  • Voxel@feddit.orgBanned from communityOPtoPrivacy@lemmy.ml•Fact check: Is Germany really cracking down on free speech and being investigated by the United Nations because of it?English
    1·
    2 days ago

    Raid does not have such a precise definition; most neutral journalists would only describe the execution of a search warrant that way if it was more forceful than average, but there isn’t a bright line.

    I think if someone knocks at your door and shows you a search warrant, and then not even proceeding with it, because the accused cooperated is I think clearly distinguishable from someone storming your house.

    I think what you’re trying to say is that appointing a special rapporteur is one of the mildest actions that might reasonably be described as “the U.N. has launched an investigation”. True but mild is not “completely false”.

    I’m not. I’m clearly highlighting that the claim that the U.N. has launched an investigation is, based on the material I have reviewed and provided, false. If there is official information that proves the investigation was indeed launched by the U.N. itself, then you’re right.

  • Voxel@feddit.orgBanned from communityOPtoPrivacy@lemmy.ml•Fact check: Is Germany really cracking down on free speech and being investigated by the United Nations because of it?English
    31·
    2 days ago

    Hey there, I appreciate your detailed response!

    The focus.de article is by Zitelmann himself (…)

    Indeed, that is why I specifically stated: “(…) but was unable to independently verify R. Zitelmann’s claims.” As every other source I could find just repeated statements by him, so I though taking a guest article that is directly by him is the most accurate we can currently find. If there is a press release by the police, or similar I would like to see it.

    It’s obviously a comparison of Putin to Hitler and I think any reasonable viewer would conclude that both are portrayed unfavorably. If that’s really what triggered a letter from the police, it’s cause for concern about freedom of expression in Germany.

    I also represent the point of view that it was unjustified since it’s clearly satire. I actually was surprised, that it wasn’t about a different law I had in mind. But the comparison Nate has made is still misleading. I now think that including it wasn’t worth it, and that I should’ve rather addressed the Stasi report system comparison Nate has made.

    The word “raid” might be a little strong here, but so is “false” when the police actually did show up and seize his tablet because he called a politician an idiot on social media.

    Let me make a comparison: If someone break somebody’s leg, and a third party then makes a news coverage where they claim that someone has killed somebody. Would you still say that this is strongly worded? I think it’s a completely false representation of what has happened.

    The special rapporteurs is an independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council and are independent of any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN, Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR.

    Quote from the document:

    Let me begin by thanking the German Government for the invitation and for facilitating this official country visit.

    https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/statements/20260206-eom-stm-europe-central-asia-region-sr-protection-right-en.pdf