eHalal Berlin
🇩🇪 Transparency vs. National Security: German Authorities Under Scrutiny on the Palestine Congress
In 2024, as Europe Day is commemorated, concerns arise over the erosion of fundamental rights among European citizens. DiEM25, along with advocates for political freedom, calls attention to Germany’s alarming drift towards lawlessness and totalitarianism.
The controversy ignited earlier this year with the German authorities’ decision to bar Yanis Varoufakis of Greece from entering the country and engaging in political activities. This action marked the onset of a troubling pattern, characterized by egregious violations of the Rule of Law principles, raising ominous implications for Europe’s democratic fabric.
Despite assurances to Varoufakis’ legal representative that they would provide written answers to pertinent questions regarding the ban’s issuance, timing, and grounds, the German authorities reneged on their commitment. Citing “national security” concerns and the purported risk of undermining security services’ duties, they refused to furnish the requested information.
This authoritarian turn, reminiscent of practices observed in regimes like Viktor Orban’s and Kyriakos Mitsotakis’, is alarming as it not only encroaches on basic freedoms but also undermines citizens’ right to transparency regarding bans and restrictions imposed upon them. This is a stark departure from the European Union’s foundational principles, which aimed to safeguard political rights and freedom of movement for all its citizens.
In response to these breaches of German and European laws, Varoufakis, in collaboration with MERA25 Germany and legal advisors, is pursuing legal action against the German authorities for violating his rights and defaming his character. He remains prepared to escalate the matter to European courts if necessary.
The legal filings underscore Varoufakis’ intended participation in a Palestine Congress event, organized by various groups including Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East and MERA25, focusing on equal political rights in the region. The German authorities’ abrupt disruption of the conference and the subsequent ban on Varoufakis were purportedly influenced by political considerations and unfounded accusations, rather than legal grounds.
By invoking “national security” to justify their actions and aligning with Israel’s controversial policies towards Palestine, the German authorities have effectively disregarded the Rule of Law and compromised citizens’ rights within the EU. DiEM25, echoing widespread concerns, urges individuals, irrespective of nationality, to oppose such arbitrary and totalitarian practices that threaten the core principles of democracy and individual freedoms in Europe.