Our Democracy in Danger
Hatred and attacks against volunteers,journalists and politicians
by Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger,Gunna Wendt
We experience in our online world as well as in our ‘real lives’ an increase in slander and abuse, intimidation, hatred and even physical violence against individuals who are committed to our society. If such attacks discourage people from getting involved, this endangers our democracy that depends on participation. Lawyer Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger and the writer Gunna Wendt interviewed ten committed volunteers about the causes, circumstances and consequences of hatred and violence. These visceral portraits provide a telling insight into the dangers, while showing that we can and must counter the degradation of political rhetoric with composure, respect and tolerance – and with effective measures to protect those at risk.