Anti-Free Speech Crackdown in Germany Raises Concerns
CHARLIE HURT, GUEST HOST: A disturbing anti-free speech movement is emerging in Europe. A recent report from 60 Minutes revealed that the German government is conducting a crackdown that resembles Orwellian tactics.
SHARYN ALFONSI, 60 MINUTES: It was 6.01 on a Tuesday morning when we joined state police as they raided an apartment in northwest Germany. Inside, six armed officers searched the suspect's residence and seized his laptop and cell phone, suspected of being used to commit a crime.
The alleged crime involved posting a racist cartoon online. Simultaneously, across Germany, over 50 similar raids were executed.
HURT: Meanwhile, there are indications that America's establishment media may be adopting similar ideas. Consider Margaret Brennan, the host of CBS' weekend flagship show, Face the Nation. After Vice President Vance condemned the attacks on free speech in Germany last Friday, Brennan responded by attempting to rewrite the history of the Holocaust during her interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
MARGARET BRENNAN, CBS NEWS: He was in a country where free speech was weaponized to conduct a genocide and met with the leader of a political party known for its far-right views and historical ties to extremist groups. This context altered the tone of the conversation.
HURT: Fortunately, the Trump administration is committed to ensuring media accountability. Secretary Rubio was unequivocal in his response.
SECRETARY OF STATE RUBIO: Free speech was not weaponized for genocide. The genocide was executed by an authoritarian Nazi regime. There was no free speech in Nazi Germany. There was no opposition either, as a single party governed the nation. Thus, this portrayal of history is inaccurate.
