Overview

• The Munich administrative court issued a June 6 ruling prohibiting Mayor Johannes Hintersberger from labeling anti-drilling demonstrators as terrorists.
• The court determined his remarks carried a “defamatory character” and breached the mayor’s obligation to remain objective.
• Demonstration organizer Andreas Kohout, supported by Greenpeace Bayern, successfully argued the statements violated his personal rights.
• The ruling requires removal of the offending comments from Reichling’s publicly accessible municipal newsletter.
• Non-compliance risks an administrative fine of up to €10,000 and assigns legal costs to the municipality of Reichling.