German lawmaker apologizes after racist slur on Twitter

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Updated 9:13 am, Friday, January 5, 2018



IMAGE 1 OF 3 FILE - This Oct. 5, 2017 file photo shows Jens Maier, member of the AfD parliamentary group at parliament in Berlin, Germany. The son of former tennis star Boris Becker is pressing charges against a German nationalist lawmaker who insulted him with a racist slur. Lawyer Christian-Oliver Moser told The Associated Press on Thursday that he filed a complaint on behalf of Noah Becker against the “unbearable and racist remarks” that came from the Twitter account of nationalist lawmaker Jens Maier. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)

BERLIN (AP) — A lawmaker for the nationalist Alternative for Germany party is apologizing to the son of former tennis star Boris Becker following a racist outburst on Twitter.

Jens Maier claims the tweet that was directed at Noah Becker was posted by a member of his staff, who has since been disciplined.

A lawyer for Becker said Thursday the 23-year-old had filed a criminal complaint against Maier.

In an unusual step, the party on Friday released a copy of an email in which Maier said he regretted the "mishap," had issued a formal warning to the staffer and planned to apologize to Becker.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/article/German-lawmaker-apologizes-after-racist-slur-on-12476014.php#photo-14789647

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Noah Becker

[DFW]

1. This might not blow over as quickly as the AfD would like

For the last 73 years or so, the Germans have been trying to keep this kind of tone out of the public discourse. When a rightist party member, especially one whose physiognomy resembles that of an animal mostly known for pork and ham, makes a public racist slur against the son of one of the country's most famous sports icons, it doesn't go over well.

Germany is not a country where the job prospects of the likes of Roy Moore would get much more than a janitorial position, and even then, one most likely relegated to the night shift. They know they have a past to live down, and they do not appreciate some local boor acting like it's 1923 again.

[Nitram]

2. Hate speech should not be protected by the First Amendment.

[DavidDvorkin]

3. It was done by a member of my staff

Who was just following orders.