In recent weeks, Tagesspiegel published two articles by Sebastian Leber that portray both myself and the QUERDENKEN-711 movement in a one-sided and distorted way. As someone who has been advocating for peace, freedom, and fundamental rights for years, I feel it is important to respond to this type of reporting—not out of defiance, but in the interest of a fair and honest public discourse.
Framing Instead of Facts – My Response to the April 25 and May 21, 2025 Articles
In the April 25, 2025 article about the verdict against Reiner Fuellmich, Leber writes:
“For months, Querdenken founder Michael Ballweg has also been on trial.”
What’s missing: the indictment was initially not admitted for trial in October 2023—a legal decision that reveals significant doubts about the prosecution’s case. Only after an appeal did the trial proceed. This crucial context is omitted.
Also concerning:
“According to the prosecution, Ballweg collected funds and used them for himself.”
What is presented here as fact is actually the prosecution’s opinion. The article fails to mention that these were gifts—voluntary, unrestricted, and clearly communicated. Not a word about how the funds were used for infrastructure, demonstrations, and public outreach. Instead: a subtle suggestion of personal enrichment—without judgment, without evidence.
From Guest to “Icon” – How the Media Constructs False Connections
In the May 21, 2025 article, political scientist Ulrike Guérot, who attended a public court session once as an observer, is labeled as a “Querdenker icon”:
“Political scientist Ulrike Guérot from Bonn is an icon of the Querdenken scene.”
No quote. No source. No facts. Just attribution. That Ms. Guérot is neither a member nor a spokesperson for QUERDENKEN-711 seems irrelevant. Association is asserted—not substantiated.
Even more troubling is this passage:
“The association ‘Querdenken 711’ had sent out a press release the day before …”
This claim is demonstrably false. QUERDENKEN-711 is not an association, but a decentralized citizens’ movement. There is no legal entity named ‘Querdenken 711’. Press releases are issued by a central press team in the name of the movement—not in the name of a non-existent organization.
What’s Really Happening Here
This type of reporting is not accidental—it follows a recognizable pattern. People like Reiner Fuellmich, Ulrike Guérot, or myself are not portrayed as individuals but lumped into a vague “Querdenken environment.” Labels like “icon,” “conspiracy theorist,” or “COVID denier” replace journalistic analysis with emotional branding.
Instead of clarification, we get framing. Instead of information, we get insinuation.
What We Actually Stand For
QUERDENKEN-711 stands for peace, freedom, and fundamental rights. For human dignity, diversity of opinion, and personal responsibility. Critical journalism is a vital part of a free society—but criticism must not become construction, and opinion-shaping must not become opinion-steering.
We don’t need heroes. We need truth.
An Invitation to Dialogue
I invite all members of the media to engage in direct conversation. Ask questions instead of assigning labels. Real press freedom thrives on contact—not distance. And it requires the courage to differentiate—especially in times when only the loudest voices are being heard.
Sources
- Court hears dismissal case: Controversial political scientist Guérot wants her position back at the University of Bonn
→ https://archive.is/uzbKo - Prison sentence for Reiner Fuellmich: Querdenker diverted €700,000 from foundation – and bought a hot tub
→ https://archive.is/egdEx
Why I Use archive.is – and Why It Matters
In a time where clicks have become currency, I made a conscious decision: I no longer give reach to the old media. Every click on an original link gives them visibility, ad revenue—and strengthens an agenda that isn’t mine.
That’s why I archive.
When I share articles, I do it via archive.is. This way, the content remains accessible to everyone—without rewarding clicks, ads, or search engine algorithms.
This is no small thing.
It’s conscious media usage.
A small step with a big impact.
💡 Energy follows attention.
I direct my energy where it’s needed: toward free platforms, alternative media, and courageous people.
Want to learn how to archive easily?
👉 https://digitaler-aktivist.org/freiheitshandy-brave/#teil-5-keine-posts-links-an-die-alten-medien-verschenken
Stay alert. Stay aware.