Interlocutory Injunction Imposed on Part of Böhmermann’s Poem

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Hamburg State Court issuing a statement has noted that interlocutory injunction has been imposed on some parts of the poem read by comedian Jan Böhmermann upon complaint of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Deutsche Welle citing Spiegel recorded that the decision is about especially the sexual parts of the poem.

The court ruled that Böhmermann cannot repeat the insulting and derogatory lines against Erdoğan of the poem.

Criticism from the attorney

Böhmermann’s attorney Christian Schertz said Hamburg State Court’s finding certain phrases ‘insulting’ and ruling the ban of the poem is a mistake.

“We find the ruling wrong on ground of procedural provisions because the court found it (the complaint) acceptable on the ground that some phrases against Erdoğan concerns freedom of the press in Turkey”.

What had happened?

After Ambassador of Germany being summoned to Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to the song “Erdowie, Erdowo, Erdowahn” satirizing Erdoğan broadcasted on the TV Programme Extra 3 on the German Channel NDR, also satirist Jan Böhmermann had presented a racist and sexist poem addressed to Erdoğan on his satire show on the German public TV ZDF.

The poem which included sexist and racist expressions had become an issue between the two countries and was banned from broadcast. Also investigation was launched into Jan Böhmerman on charges of “insulting representatives or organs of foreign states” demanding three years of imprisonment. 

President Erdoğan had attempted to sue Mathias Döpfner, the manager of Axel Springer which is one of the biggest media groups, for supporting Böhmermann but it was turned down. (YY/TK)