Ruling: Journalists can be held liable for clearance costs of protest camp - Journalists Ordered to Pay €12,000 for Dannenröder Forest Rescue
Two journalists, who chose to remain unnamed, have been ordered to pay evacuation costs by the Administrative Court in Wiesbaden. The ruling comes after they were rescued from tree houses in the Dannenröder Forest in December 2020, where they had entered a restricted area.
The court balanced the protection of press freedom against the significant risks posed by the journalists' actions. It acknowledged that the stability of the tree houses was uncertain, presenting a real danger of injury or death from falling trees or branches. The court justified the interference with the journalists' basic rights, citing the need to safeguard life and limb.
The journalists were rescued by police and subsequently billed for the evacuation costs. The court's ruling noted that while press freedom is a fundamental right, it is not absolute and can be limited when there are substantial risks involved.
The Administrative Court in Wiesbaden has ruled that the journalists can be held liable for evacuation costs, totaling €12,000. The court's decision highlights the delicate balance between press freedom and public safety, particularly in situations where the latter is at risk.
