Overview

• The Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office launched its defamation inquiry in November 2024 after Sahra Wagenknecht and BSW filed a criminal complaint in October 2024 over Habeck’s August 2024 campaign remarks.
• Habeck is accused of falsely claiming during a Dresden event that Wagenknecht’s party and the AfD receive funding from Moscow and Beijing and use paid online operations to sway votes.
• His defense team argues the statements were a protected form of political opinion and fall under free speech.
• On June 5, the Bundestag voted against lifting Habeck’s immunity for charges of malicious slander, but prosecutors note the defamation probe does not require further parliamentary approval.
• Under German law, a conviction for defaming political figures carries a potential prison sentence of six months to five years.