So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast

Ep. 206: CJ Hopkins compared modern Germany to Nazi Germany. Now he’s standing trial.

Feb 15, 2024

The podcast delves into CJ Hopkins' trial in Germany for likening modern Germany to Nazi Germany, his disputed crime, and the legal complexities surrounding free speech. It explores his background, move to Europe, and writing journey. The discussion covers Berlin during the pandemic, book censorship, and the defense of democratic rights amidst legal challenges.

01:14:24

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Episode guests

CJ Hopkins

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Controversial parallels drawn in CJ Hopkins' book between Nazi Germany and COVID-19 responses spark legal battles in Germany.

CJ Hopkins' trial in Germany sheds light on the drastic legal differences between Germany and the U.S. regarding double jeopardy.

CJ Hopkins transitioned from playwriting to political activism in Europe, criticizing populist movements post-Brexit and Trump's presidency.

Legal dispute over CJ Hopkins' book cover reveals the complex interplay between free speech, artistic expression, and government interpretation.

Deep dives

C.J. Hopkins: Criticism of Germany's Coronavirus Policies

C.J. Hopkins, an American residing in Germany, faced trial for criticizing Germany's COVID policies, drawing parallels to actions by Nazi Germany in his book 'The Rise of the New Normal Reich'. His book features a medical mask with a superimposed swastika on the cover. Despite supporting Germany's law against pro-Nazi material, Hopkins opposes its application to his case, arguing his commentary aims to criticize both contemporary German policies and Nazi Party actions.

Introduction

2min

Exploring C.J. Hopkins' Background and Legal Challenge

2min

Journey from Theater to Activism to Writing Political Satire

13min

Reflections on Berlin during the Pandemic

17min

Controversy and Censorship in Germany

14min

Defending Democratic Rights in the Face of Legal Prosecution

20min

Reflections on Cultural Contrasts, Authority, and Personal Responsibility

4min

Conclusion of CJ Hopkins interview and Podcast Promotion

2min

J Hopkins is an American playwright, novelist, and political satirist. He moved to Germany in 2004. He publishes a self-titled blog on Substack and is the editor of Consent Factory Publishing.

CJ’s most recent book, “The Rise of the New Normal Reich,” draws a parallel between Nazi Germany and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2022, it was banned on Amazon in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. In the months that followed, CJ was charged by German authorities with violating a section of the German penal code that prohibits “disseminating information, the intention of which is to further the aims of a former National-Socialist organization [the Nazis].” He was recently acquitted, but the prosecutor chose to appeal the decision.

In the coming months, CJ will stand trial — again — for a crime he claims he didn’t commit and for which he has already been acquitted.

**We are launching on Substack this week! Nothing will change for our listeners. It’s just another way to support the podcast and FIRE. Premium subscribers will receive a FIRE membership and access to our new monthly “Members Only” Zoom chats, where we will discuss free speech news and happenings at FIRE. Members will also be able to ask Nico and other FIRE staffers questions.**

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

2:58 Who is CJ Hopkins?

9:35 CJ moves to Germany

15:02 CJ’s work since 2004

18:23 Berlin in 2020

27:18 “The Rise of the New Normal Reich”

34:01 CJ’s book banned in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands

37:05 German investigation

47:26 German sensitivities to Nazism

50:17 Why didn’t CJ just pay the fine?

54:03 CJ goes to trial