Potsdam targets lawmakers in Sellner case

Fanaticism or Radicalism in beliefs or actions. - Potsdam targets lawmakers in Sellner case

Potsdam's Administrative Court has accepted an urgent request by the ex-leader of Austria's far-right Identitarian Movement, Sellner, to stop a state-wide entry prohibition that was put in place by the city. This means Sellner can keep visiting Germany, while the authorities consider his main court case.

The court declared the decision as illegal. It's paused the immediate imposition of the ban. Consequently, Sellner has the freedom to enter Germany until a final verdict is made in the primary case.

Deputy Mayor Meier stated, "After careful consideration, Potsdam's Foreigners' Office decided to lift this entry ban." But, due to the "liberal-democratic fundamental order" we have in place, the legal hurdles to put constraints on overall freedoms are extra challenging. Some figures in the right-wing movement have abused this, Meier pointed out. Visits by these activists deliberately undermine our "liberal-democratic fundamental order."

The city is working out how to proceed from here. "We're going to meticulously study the Potsdam Administrative Court's justification, internally discuss further steps, and then update you on the matter," a city spokesperson said in response to a question. Initially, the city had prepared to engage in a long court battle.

The entry ban on Sellner was put in place by Potsdam's Foreigners' Office at the start of the year. This action came after Sellner spoke at a gathering of far-right individuals in a villa within the city in November 2023. Sellner talked about "re-migration", a term often used by right-wing extremists who suggest many people of foreign origin should be forced to leave the country. The meeting sparked a wave of protests all around the nation.

The city argued that Sellner was a threat to public order and security. Sellner disagreed and sued the Potsdam Administrative Court.

Read also:

1. Despite the legal challenge by Sellner, right-wing extremists in Austria see his ability to visit Germany as a victory for their cause, potentially emboldening the Identitarian movement.
2. The Potsdam Administrative Court's decision might set a precedent, raising concerns among municipalities about the implications for handling similar cases involving right-wing extremists or individuals involved in extremist movements.
3. In light of the Sellner case, Austria is under pressure to review its policies regarding the entry of individuals associated with the Identitarian movement and other right-wing extremist groups, with some calling for stricter measures to ensure public safety.
4. Meanwhile, Sellner has plans to speak in Brandenburg, Germany, at a future event, which might spark additional protests and intensify debates about the boundaries of free speech versus promoting hate speech and intolerance.
5. Following the court's decision, some Austrian politicians have called for Austria to strengthen its cooperation with German authorities to monitor and prevent activities of right-wing extremists within their respective borders and address concerns related to extremism in general.

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