This FAQ serves to empower individuals and groups to continue exercising their fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and the right to associate, to show solidarity with those targeted by repression, and provide legal options available to those affected by the surveillance by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, BfV or VS). Available in English and German.
The information guide provides answers to the following questions:
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Who is monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, and why?
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What is the report of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution?
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What do ‘surveillance’, ‘classification as extremist’ and ‘mention in the VS report’ mean?
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What are the different levels of surveillance?
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What technical surveillance capabilities does the VS have?
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What are the consequences of being monitored by the VS for the group concerned?
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When is a person considered to be a member of an organisation?
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What are the consequences of being under surveillance for individuals? (Criminal charges, Professional consequences, Residency status)
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An organisation close to us is mentioned in the report. Could we come under the scrutiny of the VS due to ‘guilt by association’?
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What am I risking if I offer a group under observation the use of my premises?