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Leipzig Prosecutors Drop Case Against Law Professor Over Reichinnek Fridge Post

The decision highlights the high bar for criminalizing provocative political speech online.

Overview

  • The Leipzig public prosecutor discontinued the insult investigation into University of Leipzig professor Tim Drygala, citing insufficient suspicion to proceed.
  • Heidi Reichinnek, who leads The Left's Bundestag group, had filed a complaint after Drygala posted her photo on his refrigerator with a comment about striking the poorly closing door.
  • Drygala celebrated the outcome in a video on X, telling Reichinnek her complaint had failed and casting the result as a win for free expression toward senior politicians.
  • He signaled further provocations on social media, while earlier campus reactions included student-announced protests and a university stance that private posts are not subject to employer sanctions.
  • University officials said internal discussions would continue to promote awareness of non-discrimination, and reports note Drygala’s affiliation with Team Freiheit, founded by Frauke Petry.