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German newsletter discusses science freedom debate, Nord Stream investigation, and SPD party critique

other · 2026-04-19

A German newsletter edition addresses multiple cultural and political topics. The publication discusses a recent debate about scientific and opinion freedom initiated by the AfD party, where Ingo Hahn, a geography professor and AfD parliamentarian, argued that science requires open argument and the ability to express uncomfortable positions. The newsletter references an article by Björn Hayer on this topic. It also mentions an online interview with investigative journalists Oliver Schröm and Ulrich Thiele, who have detailed the 2022 attacks on Nord Stream pipelines and responded to critic Holger Stark from Die Zeit. The newsletter includes personal reflections on Berlin, mentioning the Monbijou Bridge, Hegelplatz, and filmmaker Helmut Käutner's work "Unter den Brücken." It notes an upcoming screening of the 1932 Berlin-filmed "Schleppzug M 17." The publication references a lecture about the "Palästinaamt" at Meineckestraße 10 in Berlin, which organized emigration to Palestine until October 1941. The newsletter features a reading recommendation: an article by Katharina Körting about her experiences as an SPD member, following Ulrike Baureithel's critique of the party. The newsletter is written by Michael Angele, who leads the debate section at Der Freitag.

Key facts

  • A debate about scientific and opinion freedom was initiated by the AfD party in Germany
  • Ingo Hahn, a geography professor and AfD parliamentarian, emphasized the need for open argument in science
  • An article by Björn Hayer addresses tensions between science and activism
  • Investigative journalists Oliver Schröm and Ulrich Thiele detailed the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline attacks
  • The journalists responded to critic Holger Stark from Die Zeit
  • A 1932 Berlin-filmed movie "Schleppzug M 17" will be screened
  • A lecture discussed the "Palästinaamt" at Meineckestraße 10 in Berlin, which operated until October 1941
  • Katharina Körting wrote about her experiences as an SPD member following Ulrike Baureithel's critique

Entities

Artists

  • Helmut Käutner
  • Michael Angele
  • Björn Hayer
  • Oliver Schröm
  • Ulrich Thiele
  • Holger Stark
  • Massoud Doktoran
  • Bernwart Janzing
  • Georg Seeßlen
  • Ulrike Baureithel
  • Katharina Körting

Institutions

  • AfD
  • Die Zeit
  • SPD
  • Der Freitag

Locations

  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Palestine
  • Iran

Sources