The German far-right magazine Compact has been banned by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser for inciting hatred and extremism. Run by former left-wing journalist Jürgen Elsässer, the publication targeted politicians, spread conspiracy theories, and had links to right-wing extremist groups. The ban was prompted by findings from the domestic intelligence agency BfV, describing Compact as a central mouthpiece of the right-wing scene.
Reactions to the ban have been mixed, with some welcoming the measure to combat extremism while others, like the AfD, criticizing it as an attack on press freedom. Elsässer, once part of the Communist League, shifted to far-right populism in the mid-2000s, leading to the creation of Compact. The ban has sparked debate in Germany about the limits of free speech and the spread of extremist ideologies.
Regardless of the controversy, the ban signals a stronger stance against far-right extremism in Germany, with authorities aiming to dismantle networks that propagate hate and violence. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to protect democracy and combat radical ideologies that threaten social cohesion.