Even without diplomacy and realpolitik, what he did was substantially against German law. Namely insulting any foreign leader. These weren't some invented charges due to diplomatic pressure, surprisingly enough. Furthermore he did it extremely publicly and started if off by saying that he was in full understanding that he was breaking the law. The rule of law in Germany itself was challenged in addition to this not-so-great law. Just for that, there must be a process.
What do you think would happen if criminal acts broadcasted to the whole nation don't get investigated?
Now, Ergodan's usefulness and NATO ally status do make it less likely that this particular law faces what mechanisms exist for old and decrepit laws to be unmade in Germany this time around. It'd be a bit too much of a slap in the face to ignore your own laws just to scorn him.
Agreed with all of that. You're very agreeable to my sentiments usually, Rhekimos.
Naturally, with my lolbertarian tendencies, I can not personally support any legislation barring any speech not directly resulting in physical harm (the time-honored pleb analogy of calling FIRE in a crowded theatre). I find any law prohibiting absolute free speech with that singular exception to be immoral.
Even so, I recognize that not very many nations are in line with my ideals, and there simply aren't any that fit perfectly. Since Germany had a law on the books prohibiting the man's actions, punishment fitting the letter of that law must be doled out. Do I reckon that the law in question should be hung from the legislative gallows? Yeah, I do. But if the (maybe ostensibly) elected leadership of a nation have enacted a law that has not been redacted, punishment must not be exempted from individuals or groups breaking the law.
No, not that nice, but I live in a world where independent judges in independent courts don't give a damn about diplomation.
Where in Christ's name do you live that all (or even a large majority) courts and judicial staff perform their duties completely in accordance with the letter of the law, instead of a god-awful amalgamation of "hey, is this guy important? does he have shekels (making him important)? is there going to be political backlash for performing X judicial action?"
Such a place would make a very interesting documentary. The one location on this rock in which the letter of the law prevails 99/100 times.