AfD politician in court - Trial against Höcke for Nazi slogan continues
The Halle District Court has continued the trial against Thuringia AfD chief Bjoern Hoecke for using a prohibited Nazi slogan. The court initially dealt with decisions on a multitude of evidence submissions from the defense and prosecution. Experts and other witnesses were also requested to be heard. It was unclear whether a verdict would be pronounced on Monday.
Hoecke is appearing in court for allegedly approving the Nazi slogan "Alles fur Deutschland" (Everything for Germany) at a party event with around 350 participants in Gera, Thuringia, in December of the previous year. According to the prosecution, Hoecke uttered the first two words and encouraged the audience to complete the phrase through gestures. This phrase was previously used by the Sturmabteilung (SA), the paramilitary combat organization of the Nazi Party NSDAP. Hoecke denies all accusations and sees himself as innocent.
For the 52-year-old, this is the second trial at the Halle District Court. On May 14, he was sentenced to a fine of a total of 13,000 Euros for the same Nazi slogan at a campaign event in Sachsen-Anhalt, Merseburg. The decision is legally binding, but Hoecke filed a revision. In both cases, the accusation is the same: Use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations.
- The public prosecutor's office in Saxony-Anhalt has also initiated processes against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party due to alleged extremist activities.
- In a similar case, the Regional Court in Thuringia is currently handling a trial involving AfD member Björn Höcke for inciting hatred and promoting extremist ideologies.
- critical voices within Germany argue that the ongoing trials against AfD leaders, like Höcke, may be stifling free speech and political dissent.
- The Saxony-Anhalt AfD has distanced itself from Höcke's actions, stating that they do not represent the party's views and beliefs.
- Hoecke's trial in Halle is attracting national attention, with many Germans debating the role of the judicial system in handling political crimes and extremism.
