Merz can be insulted as “Pinocchio”, not as a “lack monkey”

According to a spokeswoman, after examining the facts, the head of the department came to the conclusion “that in this case there was no factual connection with the political work, but the focus was on defamation.” The penalty order was not legally binding and an objection was lodged.

According to the public prosecutor’s office, 30 daily rates were imposed. The spokeswoman did not provide any information about the amount of the daily rates, “because this allows conclusions to be drawn about the assumed income”.

“Pinocchio” had no legal repercussions

According to earlier information from the authorities, the reason for the proceedings was one of almost 400 comments on a Facebook post by the local police on the occasion of Merz’s visit to Heilbronn in October last year. The public prosecutor’s office subsequently examined 38 posts to determine whether they were punishable. The Facebook post from the Heilbronn police headquarters was about a flight ban that had been imposed during the Chancellor’s visit.

Unlike the “Lackaffen”, the public prosecutor did not object to Merz being called “Pinocchio”. She discontinued the proceedings “because this is a criticism of power that is covered by freedom of expression and is therefore permissible,” as she announced in the spring. The children’s book character Pinocchio is known for his nose growing when he lies.