Freedom of expression in Germany: US report sounds the alarm!

Freedom of expression in Germany: US report sounds the alarm!

Today brings with it some heated discussions about freedom of expression in Germany. In a current report by the US State Department, published on August 13, 2025, the human rights situation in Germany is viewed critically. The focus is particularly on restrictions on freedom of expression. Although Article 5 of the Basic Law guarantees freedom of expression, the authors of the report acknowledge that there are significant human rights problems such as anti-Semitic violence, which have actually worsened over the past year.

However, a spokesman for the Foreign Office in Germany rejected the allegations and emphasized that freedom of the press and freedom of expression were not restricted. "We are proud of our consolidated democracy and the broad scope of freedom of expression. Censorship does not take place," said a government spokesman in a report from Deutschlandfunk.

Criticism from the USA

The US government, led by JD Vance as Vice President and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is also sharply critical of German policy. The report finds that German authorities are too focused on right-wing extremists and trivialize the role of immigrant Muslims in violent anti-Semitic crime. The reaction to this accusation is inconsistent: While the USA points to an increase in anti-Semitic crimes of over 100 percent in 2024, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Criminal Police Office emphasize that these have only increased by 20 percent, but in a different context.

The report pays particular attention to the importance of immigration for anti-Semitism. A connection is highlighted here that is hotly debated in the public debate. [Tagesschau](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/ Amerika/meinungsfreiheit-deutschland-usa-100.html) reports over 300 anti-Semitic crimes in 2024, which once again underlines the alarming trends.

Striking shifts

What is interesting is that the human rights situation in Germany was assessed as stable under the Biden administration, a notable shift noted under the Trump administration. At that time, deficiencies in freedom of expression were criticized and growing anti-Semitism caused by migration was presented as a serious problem. The current reports prepared by the US State Department speak of “significant human rights problems” such as censorship on online platforms and suspect a discrepancy between the guaranteed freedom and the actual situation.

The German representatives vehemently defend themselves against the portrayal of the human rights situation in their country. In response to the criticism, it was emphasized that Germany relies on high standards of the rule of law. The debate about freedom of expression will not stop as society continues to debate how to deal with anti-Semitism and the influence of migration.

For many, the question remains open: Where is the line between legitimate criticism and threats to fundamental rights? When you look at the situation in the USA and the debates there, one can only say: the discussion about human rights and freedom of expression is more topical than ever.