Merkel criticized, lauded for allowing comedian to be prosecuted for insulting Erdogan

“It’s not clear what reasons weighed so heavily that she had to take this legally, politically and morally unnecessary as well as disastrous step,” wrote Torsten Krauel, chief opinion writer of the center-right German daily Die Welt.

Krauel described Merkel’s decision as bow to Erdogan, whose help the chancellor depends on for her plan to reduce the influx of migrants to Europe. Any conviction of comedian Jan Boehmermann would now “carry her political signature,” he said, noting that previously Merkel had been known as a strong defender of free speech and for shrugging off public attacks against her in foreign media.

Others praised Merkel’s move, arguing that it would highlight the independence of Germany’s judicial system.