In a decisive move against extremist content, German media regulators have ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the websites of Al Manar TV, a Lebanese broadcaster affiliated with the Hezbollah organisation.
German youth protection media commission KJM cited concerns over the dissemination of anti-democratic and antisemitic propaganda, which it deemed incompatible with the country’s democratic values.
Al Manar TV has been accused of promoting messages that undermine social cohesion and democracy. Dr Tobias Schmid, European Affairs Commissioner of the German media authorities and Director of the media authority of federal state North Rhine-Westphalia, stressed the importance of protecting Germany’s democratic principles. “Freedom of speech ends where it is abused to violate human dignity and undermine the values of our free, democratic society,” Schmid stated.
The content hosted by Al Manar, including calls for the destruction of Israel and the justification of terrorist acts, has been labelled as propaganda that violates Germany’s legal framework. Dr Marc Jan Eumann, Chairman of KJM, noted, “Al Manar uses symbols of unconstitutional organisations, denies Israel’s right to exist, and creates enemy images, all of which are prohibited under German law.”
Although the German Federal Ministry of the Interior banned Al Manar’s activities in 2008, its online content has remained accessible. KJM’s latest action highlights the gaps in enforcement mechanisms and the need for updated regulations to address digital content. A revision of the media state treaty could empower media regulation bodies to take direct action in cases where federal bans are issued, according to KJM.
The order was issued under the provisions of Germany’s Interstate Treaty for the Protection of Minors (JMStV) and the Media State Treaty (MStV). Telecommunications companies are now required to block access to Al Manar’s websites, which include text articles, on-demand videos and live-streamed content.
The responsibility now falls on ISPs to comply with the KJM’s directive. “With these blocking orders, we demonstrate our commitment to acting against threats to democracy. Now, it is up to the telecommunications companies to remove this propaganda channel from the internet,” said Eumann.