Herbert Grönemeyer cleared of charges by Dortmund prosecutors

The Dortmund public prosecutor's office has decided not to pursue criminal proceedings against musician Herbert Grönemeyer following two complaints. The complaints stemmed from comments made during a concert at the Westfalenhalle on February 17, where Grönemeyer spoke against right-wing extremism.

Grönemeyer had referred to ‘right-wing rats and racists’ and stated that the civil community would stand together until they ‘disappear into their holes where they come from.’ While the prosecutor's office confirmed these specific phrases, they found no initial suspicion of a criminal offense, such as incitement to hatred (Volksverhetzung). The authorities noted that the statements did not clearly and unmistakably target a specific, definable group of the population, such as members or voters of the AfD, as required by law.

Separately, various regional events are taking place across Germany, including the NDR MV Summer Party in Woldegk, the premiere of the Zeuthener Fetzttage festival, and the 44th Evinger Kohlenkirmes in Dortmund. In Dortmund-Hörde, SPD politician Anja Butschkau visited local allotment gardens to discuss their importance for urban climate and low-income families.