AfD Parliamentary Leader Hans-Christoph Berndt Calls for Stronger Action Against "Real Violence" in Brandenburg. Pictured here with Dennis Hohloch (right). (Archive photo) Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa
German actress's digital abuse case sparks political clash over online violence
Potsdam (dpa/bb) – The Alternative for Germany (AfD) faction in Brandenburg's state parliament has dismissed digital violence as a negligible issue amid the debate surrounding moderator Collien Fernandes and the allegations against actor Christian Ulmen. "I had to look it up first—I didn't know who these people were," faction leader Hans-Christoph Berndt said in the Potsdam state parliament. He argued that the focus should be on "real violence," not "internet surveillance."
Fernandes has accused her ex-partner Ulmen—first reported by Der Spiegel—of creating fake profiles in her name and using them to spread pornographic content. Ulmen remains presumed innocent under the law. His lawyer, Christian Schertz, announced plans to take legal action against the magazine's "initial reporting."
SPD: Digital Violence Can Have Lasting Effects for Years
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) faction emphasized the seriousness of digital violence, which will be addressed in a special parliamentary session on Wednesday. SPD leader Björn Lüttmann noted that digital violence often persists for years because content never truly disappears from the internet. At the state level, he said, the priority must be strengthening victim protection and expanding support services. Institutions also need to be better trained and sensitized to the issue.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faction stressed that these measures would not be costly. Continuing education for police and judicial staff, along with the establishment of support programs, would be financially manageable, said parliamentary manager Danny Eichelbaum.
The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), the second opposition faction, also refused to downplay the issue. "It's certainly a major concern," said BSW leader Niels-Olaf Lüders, though he argued that a special parliamentary session was not the right format. "This isn't Barbara Salesch," he remarked, referencing the German courtroom TV show.
Fernandes is pushing for greater sensitivity from authorities in handling victims of sexualized violence. Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) called for a broader societal debate on the issue, stressing that women affected by domestic violence must be assured of support. She underscored the need to make it clear: "No, no man has the right to be abusive or violent toward a woman. And it is not the woman's fault—she has no reason to be ashamed. I think we need to live by this and discuss it much more openly in society."
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