German scholar’s home raided over tweet—is free speech under siege?
A police raid on media scientist Norbert Bolz’s home in October 2023 sparked controversy over free speech in Germany. The investigation, led by the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office, centred on a tweet he posted in January 2024. Bolz, a journalist and retired professor, now argues that such cases reveal a broader crackdown on dissenting voices.
The raid followed a tweet in which Bolz replied to a taz post with the phrase ‘Germany awake!’—echoing the historic SA slogan ‘Deutschland erwache!’ He later clarified the remark was ironic, denying any endorsement of unconstitutional groups. Despite this, authorities pursued charges for allegedly using banned symbols.
The incident drew attention to Bolz’s latest book, ‘Back to Normality’ (Zurück zur Normalität), published in 2025. In it, he critiques what he calls the ‘pathology of destroyed normality’—a society where individual identity politics overshadow shared values. He defines normality as ‘what goes without saying’, requiring no justification, and warns that democracy depends on diverse opinions. Bolz claims Germany’s freedom of expression is under threat, citing collusion between politicians, courts, the media, and state-funded NGOs. His case is not isolated; thousands face similar investigations for speech offences. The book’s release gained momentum as supporters framed the police action as an example of the very suppression he describes.
The investigation into Bolz remains ongoing, but his arguments have already fuelled debate. His book frames normality as a counter to ideological extremes, while critics question whether his rhetoric risks legitimising far-right language. The case highlights tensions between free expression and legal boundaries in modern Germany.
