Bavarian Legislative Assembly - MP Halemba from AfD faces charges of inciting the public, money laundering, and coercion.
A public prosecutor in Würzburg has accused Bavarian AfD state parliamentarian, Daniel Halemba, of various crimes. In a 14-page document, Halemba is charged with inciting hatred, money laundering, extortion, attempted extortion, using symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations, and damaging property.
The Bavarian parliament had previously revoked Halemba's parliamentary immunity in late April. Additionally, the AfD's federal executive committee requested a party expulsion against Halemba, who is only 22 years old.
Previous Arrest and Subsequent Revocation
Investigations into Halemba have been ongoing for months. In September 2023, a search was conducted at the home of Würzburg Burschenschaft Teutonia Prag, a fraternity Halemba belonged to. The charges? Using symbols of unconstitutional organizations and inciting hatred. Later that month, Halemba was arrested but the arrest warrant was quickly revoked.
New accusations were brought against Halemba in April of the current year. The public prosecutor now believes he was involved in money laundering, property damage, and joint extortion. Regarding these additional accusations, Halemba stated, "I'm solidly convinced that I've not committed any criminal offenses."
Denial from Halemba
Halemba has consistently denied the original accusations. His lawyer revealed on Friday that most of the original investigations had already been dropped. Despite the new accusations, his lawyer believes Halemba should be released.
In December of the previous year, Halemba had already announced his intention to resign from all party offices and suspended his party membership until the accusations were resolved. In April, he informed the parliamentary faction in a letter that he would also relinquish his responsibilities within the faction until the proceedings were completed, would cease appearing in the plenary session or committees as a faction member, and would refrain from all other public activities as a faction member.
