Overview
- On Thursday, September 10, 2026, the Staatsanwaltschaft Dessau-Roßlau announced it has discontinued the investigation into Uwe Steimle.
- The inquiry began after Steimle joked at a mid-July AfD event that invoked Claus von Stauffenberg in reference to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Prosecutors had examined the remarks under Paragraph 126 of the German Criminal Code, which targets public disturbance by threats, and concluded the statements did not provide sufficient grounds for charges.
- The comment drew sharp public criticism from Karl Graf von Stauffenberg and led Steimle to sign a civil cease-and-desist declaration, a private step that is separate from the criminal decision.
- Steimle and his lawyer said he will continue his artistic work and welcomed the case closure while the outcome highlights ongoing tensions in Germany over the line between political satire and punishable threats.