The Federal Administrative Court of Germany has temporarily lifted the ban on the far-right magazine 'Compact', which was imposed by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in July 2024.

The magazine 'Compact' filed a lawsuit against the ban, prompting the Federal Ministry of the Interior to submit its statement to the court.

The court's ruling favored an urgent application from 'Compact', indicating that it sees high barriers for media bans, which is viewed as a positive outcome.

Judges expressed doubts about whether the magazine's content is significant enough to justify a ban under the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of opinion and press.

The ministry argues that preventing potential dangers outweighs the right to press freedom in this case, although this justification has faced criticism.

While the legality of the ban under association law is not questioned, the court emphasized the need for proportionality in such actions.

The German Journalists' Association welcomed the court's decision as a reaffirmation of press freedom and urged the Interior Minister to balance her fight against extremism with constitutional rights.

Faeser has faced criticism from opposition parties regarding the justification for the ban, which some view as an act of censorship.

Critics, including former Federal Minister Gerhart Baum, argue that the magazine's activities promote aggressive behavior that could threaten the constitutional order.

This ruling highlights the need for clearer standards regarding media company bans, as current guidelines are lacking.

A final decision regarding the ban will be made in the main proceedings, which are yet to occur, leaving the future of 'Compact' uncertain.