Jette Nietzard: Green Youth leader rejects resignation and apology

Berlin. The head of the Green Youth, Jette Nietzard, intends neither to resign nor apologize following her post featuring an anti-police sweater. When asked by Stern magazine whether this would be her last interview at the helm of the Green youth organization, she told the following: "I have to disappoint you. I was elected until October and have a youth organization to lead until then. I will continue to do so." The 26-year-old added: "I think apologizing would be excessive."

Nietzard had appeared on her private Instagram account wearing a sweater bearing the abbreviation "ACAB," which stands for "All Cops Are Bastards." She also wore a cap with the anti-capitalist slogan "Eat the Rich." Many Green Party politicians reacted with outrage, some even suggesting that she resign.

The Green Youth leader expressed surprise at the outcry. "I just wanted to make a funny Instagram story. Now that the excitement is there, I'd like to talk about my systemic criticism of the police," Nietzard said. At the same time, she emphasized: "Not every single police officer is a pig." But she also said: "Many non-white people are afraid when a police car drives by; and not even one in ten women who experience sexual violence files a complaint because they're afraid they won't be believed. These people are afraid of a state that's supposed to protect them."

When asked if she would do such a campaign again, Nietzard said: "I have a few other sweaters in my closet, so you can be curious to see what other messages we discuss."

Nietzard sharply criticized her party, saying the party needed to consider the consequences of its election defeat. "The centrist course has failed, but reflection is still a long way off," she lamented. Nietzard doesn't believe she has caused damage to her party. "The damage is more likely caused by the federal party's treatment of me. This is not lost on our members. Ultimately, this could contribute to the alienation of the party and the youth organization."

RND/dpa