Raid because of tweet: The man who called Habeck “imbecile” is dead

Burgpreppach (Bavaria) – The man behind the so-called “idiot affair” is dead. Stefan Niehoff has died at the age of 65. Several media outlets unanimously report that the pensioner died on January 31st as a result of a stroke.

The former Bundeswehr sergeant Niehoff became known nationwide in November 2024. The reason was a house searchafter he reposted a satirical meme on Platform X. In it, the then Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (56, Green) referred to as “Imbecile Professional” in reference to a hair care brand.

House search after Habeck insults

On the retweet This was followed by a criminal complaint from Habeck. Shortly afterwards, the police searched Niehoff’s apartment. The approach caused criticism nationwide and sparked a debate about freedom of expression and government intervention online. While those close to the minister emphasized that the decision to search the house rested solely with the investigative authorities, critics considered the measure to be disproportionate.

In the course of the investigation, the authorities examined Niehoff’s other contributions. There was also a historical one Photo with a Nazi connection into focus. The investigators later dropped an initial accusation of sedition. Nevertheless, the district court condemned Haßfurt (Bayern) Niehoff in June 2025 to 55 daily rates for using the symbols of unconstitutional organizations. The court did not see any immediately recognizable critical discussion of National Socialism in the article. Niehoff’s defense attorney announced an appeal.

Debate about freedom of expression

The case continues to spark discussions about the limits of political satire and the special criminal protection of public officials. Critics point primarily to Section 188 of the Criminal Code. He punishes politicians’ insults more severely than others. Proponents believe it is necessary to protect public officials from targeted attacks. Opponents are calling for its abolition. The so-called “idiot affair” is seen by many as an example of this debate about freedom of expression online.