Defamation Laws and Press Freedom in Germany
The upwards trend in the cases of "defamation" in Germany continues unabated, reaching 200.827 investigated cases in 2009. Whilst this trend, as merely a continuation of that, which has been observed over some years, was to be expected, there are some additional aspects, which need more discussion. An update on previous reports by the author is, therefore, being provided. An overview of the international situation regarding defamation is provided by Walter Keim. Since Breat Britain has now abolished its laws on defamation and France as well as Ireland have undertaken to do the same, this overview may be out of date on specific countries. It demonstrates adequately, however, how far Germany is becoming isolated as a state clinging to such laws.