FDP’s Strack-Zimmermann Urges Hate Aid to Persist Despite US Sanctions
FDP’s Strack-Zimmermann Urges Hate Aid to Persist Despite US Sanctions
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament’s Defense Committee and member of Germany’s FDP, has encouraged the leaders of Hate Aid to continue their work against online hate despite US-imposed sanctions. Hate Aid, which provides psychological and legal support to victims of online discrimination, insults, threats, and attacks, faces obstacles following US sanctions that include travel bans on its two managing directors, Ballon and von Hodenberg. These sanctions stem from accusations by the Trump administration that Hate Aid censors US online platforms. Strack-Zimmermann highlighted that Hate Aid’s efforts protect democracy on the internet based on European law and called for resilience against external pressures. She emphasized that attacks from abroad demonstrate the need for Europe to act with greater self-confidence and determination in defending democratic values online.