Merkel allows inquiry into comic's Erdogan insult
Lèse–majesté.
Paragraph 103 of Germany's penal code, on defamation of organs and representatives of foreign states, has the following to say:
"(1) Whosoever insults a foreign head of state, or, with respect to his position, a member of a foreign government who is in Germany in his official capacity, or a head of a foreign diplomatic mission who is accredited in the Federal territory shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine, in case of a slanderous insult to imprisonment from three months to five years."
. . . .
Mr Erdogan has drawn much criticism in Turkey and internationally for attacking opponents, including harassment of journalists.
Many accuse him of authoritarian methods, stifling legitimate dissent and promoting an Islamist agenda.
Some Germans worry that Mrs Merkel is compromising on freedom of expression in order to ensure Turkey's continued co-operation to stem the influx of migrants into the EU.
Thomas Oppermann, head of the Social Democrat (SPD) group in the German parliament, tweeted: "Prosecution of satire due to 'lese majesty' does not fit with modern democracy."
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