Maybe there was more to it than that, and if there is, please enlighten me, but a country that sends people to jail for exercising their right to free speech, cannot be called a 'Hotbed of Enlightenment'.
Wise of you not to rely on a brief mention in a German magazine. There is, of course.
(It's legalese, so bear with me)
§266
He, who publically or intentionally spreads to a larger circle statements or other messages, by whom a group of persons is threatened, insult (ED: very harsh version of "insult" - I can't find a proper English word) or degradates because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, belief or sexual orientation, is punishable by fine, detention or prison up to 2 years.
Pt.2.: When the sentence is measured, it shall be regarded as an increase of the sentence if the offense is characterized as propaganda.
He was imprisoned because of Stk 2. of §266.
Precisely like in the US, you can't say everything what you want, when you want it.
Do you have any comment on the crazy laws in the US?
(wow, I hate that smilie)