Restriction of freedom of expression, political Persecution and the role of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution

lecture

Date: Wednesday, 15.04.2026

Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm (admission from 6.30 pm)

Location: Frankfurt am Main

Speaker: Dr Hans-Georg Maaßen

Freedom of expression is not only an important fundamental and human right, but also a cornerstone of liberal democracy. According to opinion polls, well over half of Germans believe that freedom of expression is in danger, important political voices, including those on the political left, are warning against the further destruction of freedom of expression and the USA, other foreign governments and the UN Representative on Freedom of Expression are also massively criticising the German and European policy of dismantling freedom of expression. The restriction of freedom of expression always goes hand in hand with the political persecution of dissidents who do not want to have their mouths shut. In his lecture, Hans-Georg Maaßen analyses the current situation of freedom of expression and political persecution in Germany as well as the background and techniques of their restriction and also addresses the role of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which no longer protects the constitution but fights against freedom of expression.

Dr Hans-Georg Maaßen is a lawyer and former President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (2012-2018). During his tenure as President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, over twenty Islamist terrorist attacks in Germany were thwarted by the Office, right-wing extremist terrorist groups such as Old School Society were dismantled and the NPD was banned.

Admission is free.

Registration via https://erasmus-stiftung.de/angebote/

After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation of receipt and - if places are still available - a reconfirmed confirmation from us stating the exact location of the event.