Two Hamburg-based Christian content creators are facing a criminal investigation after publishing a video discussing Islamic texts, anti-Semitism, and pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Germany.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Two Christian YouTubers in Germany are under investigation by prosecutors in Hamburg after publishing a video criticizing Islam and discussing anti-Semitism at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, according to multiple German media reports.
The investigation centers on a video uploaded in late 2024 to the Christian YouTube channel Eternal Life, operated by two young men identified as Niko and Tino. German authorities allege statements made in the video may violate Section 166 of the German Criminal Code, which prohibits insulting religious denominations, religious communities, and ideological associations.
Violations under the statute can carry penalties of up to three years in prison, although fines are more commonly imposed in such cases.
The Hamburg Public Prosecutor’s Office launched the investigation after reviewing statements made in a video titled “Islam is not peace,” according to reporting from German Evangelical outlet IDEA. Additional reporting by Apollo News later confirmed that both Niko and Tino were being investigated in connection with the same production.
The video reportedly drew between 600 and 1,000 views before the creators removed it because of the legal proceedings.
According to Apollo News, the video opened with footage from pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Germany, including events held in Berlin-Wedding.
“It’s the year 2024, and anti-Semitism is officially allowed again in Germany,” Niko stated in the video.
He later added, “Palestinians are committed to the extermination of the Jews, as the hadiths instruct them.”
The creators referenced Islamic hadith literature, which consists of recorded sayings and actions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad and serves as a major theological source in Islam alongside the Quran. The video quoted a hadith from Sahih Muslim stating: “The Last Hour will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews, and the Muslims will kill them until the Jews hide behind a tree or a rock.”
Tino also commented in the video on anti-Semitism and violence against Jews.
“The hatred of Jews – the idea that one should kill Jews, that one is permitted to kill Jews – is a demonic spirit and does not come from God,” he said.
According to Apollo News, the two men participate in monthly Christian outreach events in Hamburg where they speak publicly about Christianity and distribute religious material. Tino said the idea for the video emerged after the pair encountered a pro-Palestinian protest in which demonstrators allegedly called for the destruction of Israel.
The creators said the purpose of the video was to express solidarity with Israel and condemn calls for violence against Jewish people.
They also attempted to engage demonstrators in conversation but later said meaningful discussion was impossible.
The video further argued that Islam promotes hatred and violence, contrasting that message with Christianity.
“Islam and the message behind it bring only hatred, power, and murder. This religion is not peace, not joy, and not life. They are fighting for a dead message and for a dead God,” the video stated.
The production also included footage from a 2024 Islamist demonstration in Hamburg organized by “Muslim Interaktiv,” a group that publicly advocated for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Germany. A separate report by LifeSite News documented the demonstration and the calls for a caliphate made during the rally.
The YouTubers contrasted those scenes with Christian teachings, arguing that Jesus Christ represents “true love” and “true peace” and enables believers to practice compassion toward others.
Their attorney has argued that the investigation mischaracterizes the content and intent of the video.
According to the lawyer, the broader context of both the video and the channel demonstrates that the material was intended as an expression and defense of Christian beliefs rather than an attempt to incite hatred or demean a religious group. He is seeking dismissal of the case.
“I don’t understand what they’re trying to investigate,” Tino told Apollo News. He said both he and Niko were shocked by the criminal proceedings and described the investigation as “an absolute restriction on freedom of speech.”
“People shouldn’t have to be afraid to speak their minds and profess their faith in Jesus Christ,” he added.
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