Extremist ideologies of the far right - Following the AfD party gathering, more actions are expected against Judge Maier.
Maier is said to have taken an active part in a group deemed a right-wing extremist organization by the BfV, promoting its objectives that clash with the constitutional framework outlined in the German Basic Law. During a meeting of the AfD party, he sought a higher rank, succeeded, and then made offensive remarks about the core principles of constitutional democracy.
Justice Minister Katja Müller (Greens) commented on the situation: "Those who oppose the constitution have received no advantages in the judiciary or in the civil service." Civil servants and judges working in Thüringen must hold a firm belief in the fundamentals of the Basic Law as it is the law of the land. "Even if you've retired, this rule still applies to you."
In March 2022, Maier was temporarily banned from any legal duties. The state courts determined his retirement to be acceptable according to a ruling in December 2022. This was confirmed in 2023 by a regional court while considering Maier's appeal regarding the suspension. It was assumed at the time that people would view Maier as no longer loyal to the Basic Law following this decision.
A continuous disciplinary process regarding Maier's conduct in the judiciary is underway, according to statement from the ministry. Extremist remarks, many of them racist in nature, were attributed to him over the years.
