The Federal Administrative Court (BVerwG) in Leipzig is set to begin hearings on June 10, 2025, regarding the potential ban of the far-right magazine Compact, with a ruling expected later in the month.

Compact, which is associated with the right-wing AfD party, faces scrutiny as the court reviews its status amid calls for a renewed ban from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Former Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has justified the proposed ban as a significant measure against extremism, emphasizing its focus on those inciting hatred and violence towards refugees and migrants.

The ministry's case for the ban hinges on Compact's aggressive stance against constitutional order, citing its distribution of anti-Semitic, racist, and conspiracy-laden content.

Jürgen Elsässer, the editor-in-chief of Compact, has transitioned from leftist journalism to promoting right-wing extremism, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis.

While the court has acknowledged potential violations of human dignity in some of Compact's articles, it has also raised concerns about whether these instances justify a total ban, considering freedom of expression rights.

Compact publishes a monthly magazine with a circulation of around 40,000 copies and operates CompactTV, which boasts approximately 512,000 subscribers on YouTube.

The magazine argues that the proposed ban is disproportionate and challenges its legality under the Association Act, although the court has indicated that such a ban could be applicable.

Following an initial ban in July 2024, the court temporarily allowed Compact to continue publishing while awaiting a final decision, which will be discussed over three sessions from June 10 to June 12, 2025.

The hearings will address the complex legal question of how far freedom of expression extends, particularly for publications accused of promoting hatred and exclusion.

Compact was labeled a central mouthpiece for the right-wing extremist scene by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, which has classified it as a right-wing extremist organization since late 2021.

Despite expressing confidence about the hearings, Elsässer noted that the court has maintained a non-predictive stance regarding the outcome, emphasizing the open nature of the proceedings.