Pensioner randals in Greifswald: Hate emails brought to the court!

Pensioner randals in Greifswald: Hate emails brought to the court!

In addition to the typical afternoon scenario in Greifswald, a certain Ralf R. causes a stir. The 60-year-old pensioner, apparently a specialist in typing of heated emails, addresses his frustration on the local tax situation and especially against Mayor Stefan Fassbinder from the Greens. "Anti-German" and "left-green-fascist" are his favorite terms to breathe in his anger. But now it becomes a drama in court!

Ralf R. does not raise GEZ fees and sees himself as a victim of a system that is wrong for him. Since his early retirement for health reasons and his narrow pension, he is fighting bailiffs. He sees the garnishment of his GDR victim to particularly unfair. And precisely at this point, in the middle of the e-mail core, which reaches the tax authority and ultimately the mayor's office, the legal flames are sparked.

anger emails lead to court

The words "left-green fascist mayor" ensure that Fassbinder traces back legally. "They bring everything to display that they find insulting," says the city supervisor, who was not unaffected by such aggressive messages. For him it was less the swear words than the aggressively continuous formulations that disturbed him.

The court, under the direction of judge Konstantin Tränkmann, clearly decides against the pensioner. "Freedom of expression stops where other people are reduced," explains Tränkermann, imposing a juicy fine of 1050 euros. The pensioner could have accepted a penalty order, but he would rather underline his personal freedom - if necessary with a stay in prison.

Ralf R. is stubborn

"I don't do that," I don't do that, "Ralf R. defines himself. Regardless of the judgment, he defends his emails protected by freedom of expression and criticizes the loss of his trust in the rule of law. While Stefan Fassbinder makes numerous advertisements, this is the first time that a procedure results. The mayor testifies to the burden of regular insults that are increasingly affecting everyday life.