Berlin Left politician Elif Eralp files criminal complaint against Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt for alleged defamation

Elif Eralp and the Berlin branch of the Left party have filed a criminal complaint against Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, alleging that he repeated a false claim that Eralp called herself an "antisemitin" during a ZDF talk show. Lawyer Jasper Prigge contends that Dobrindt’s endorsement of the host’s misstatement amounts to "üble Nachrede" and insult, violating the criminal code. The filing asserts that the televised falsehood undermines Eralp’s credibility as a public official and could impede her role in forming a Berlin government.

Eralp, who led the Left to become the strongest party in the recent Berlin state election, has consistently denied any antisemitic views and affirmed Israel’s right to exist. Dobrindt had previously criticized the Berlin Left for tolerating alleged extremists, a comment that intensified the dispute.