German authorities announced that amidst the revelry of Carnival Monday across the country, the creators of at least two parade floats were under investigation for inciting “racial” hatred against Muslims, even though Islam is not a race.
New Observer In the run-up to the parades, there were concerns that satirical floats that poked fun at Islamist terror could provoke attacks. Local authorities are determining whether this falls into the category of free speech or if the float makers can be prosecuted for inciting hatred against Muslim migrants.
The parades traditionally mock everyone and everything, with no subject seen as taboo, but organizers in Cologne dropped plans for a float dedicated to the Charlie Hebdo attacks in France this year over fears it could provoke violence. While past celebrations have seen floats take on politically tense themes, criticism of Berlin’s handling of the migrant crisis may have crossed the line this year.
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