The German cabinet has approved a draft law to reclassify date-rape drugs as dangerous instruments, increasing the minimum sentence for rape involving such substances from three to five years. The proposal follows a 2024 Federal Court of Justice ruling that excluded date-rape drugs from the definition of dangerous tools. Critics argue that the measure is symbolic without addressing low conviction rates and call for better prevention and victim support infrastructure. The draft now proceeds to the Bundestag and Bundesrat for further deliberation.

Background: Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner previously told staff that journalists who disagree with the company's pro-Israel principles should resign. In a speech to the World Jewish Congress in Geneva, Dopfner escalated his rhetoric, declaring that 'anti-Zionism is racism' and proposed a series of measures: preferential immigration and citizenship for Jewish families in Europe, expulsion of anti-Zionists wherever legally possible, and banning TikTok in Europe. He attacked the UN Human Rights Council as the 'human rights Twistings Council', criticized the UK Green Party for mixing climate activism with antisemitism, and argued that criticism of Israel has made European countries no longer safe for Jews. Dopfner also praised UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's similar proposals and warned that if the West does not defeat anti-Zionism, it 'will destroy itself'.

Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) released a dossier on secular pro-Palestinian extremism, highlighting symbols like the watermelon and Handala, and groups such as BDS and PFLP. The report accuses these groups of antisemitism and denying Israel's right to exist, as German authorities continue to crack down on pro-Palestinian protests. The dossier links these groups to antisemitism and hostility toward Israel, amid ongoing crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests in Germany.

The Lower Saxony branch of the German left-wing party Die Linke passed a resolution rejecting 'the currently existing Zionism,' describing it as characterized by racism, occupation, and military violence. The move drew sharp criticism from Jewish leaders and the antisemitism commissioner, who labeled it antisemitic. The article traces the historical evolution of Zionism, the impact of the 1967 Six-Day War, and the rise of 'Neo-Zionism' in Israel, linking it to the current government's policies. This development highlights ongoing debates within Germany over the boundaries of criticism of Israel and antisemitism.

Germany's health system is debating the introduction of a primary care system (Primärarztsystem) where patients must first consult a general practitioner before seeing a specialist. Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) proposes the model to reduce unnecessary doctor visits, long waiting times, and costs. Supporters argue it could streamline care, while critics fear delays in diagnosis and treatment. The German Medical Association is discussing the reform at its annual conference. International examples from Denmark, Netherlands, and Spain show fewer doctor contacts and hospitalizations.

Families and lawyers of five pro-Palestine activists accused of breaking into Elbit Systems in Ulm, Germany, are demanding the recusal of presiding judge Kathrin Lauchstadt, calling the trial a 'sham'. The activists, from Germany, Spain, Ireland, and the UK, were arrested on 8 September 2024 and face charges including trespassing, property damage, and membership in a criminal organization under Section 129 of the German penal code. During a hearing on 7 May 2025, Lauchstadt repeatedly barred defense lawyers from filing objections to courtroom seating arrangements that prevented confidential communication with defendants, who were paraded in handcuffs and placed behind bullet-proof glass, violating the presumption of innocence. The courtroom at Stammheim court, typically used for terrorism cases, was chosen without checking availability of other courtrooms. The judge also ordered observers removed after applause from the gallery. The trial was postponed after defense lawyers protested and called for the judge's recusal. Defendants face restrictive pre-trial detention conditions, including prolonged isolation, limited visitation, and monitored communications.

In the trial of former RAF terrorist Daniela Klette, her defense team argued there is no evidence linking her to eight armed robberies between 1999 and 2016, claiming the weapons and cash found in her Berlin apartment could have been placed there by others. The prosecution seeks a 15-year sentence for attempted murder and armed robbery. Klette's alleged accomplices Burkhard Garweg and Ernst-Volker Staub remain at large.