Björn Höcke: Prosecutors drop disparagement of state case

The Gera prosecutor's office has discontinued proceedings against AfD leader Björn Höcke regarding allegations of disparaging the state. The investigation stemmed from a speech delivered on October 3, 2022, in Gera, during which Höcke criticized the Federal Republic of Germany as being “externally determined” and driven into war by a “foreign power.”

Authorities stated that the potential penalty for the offense would likely not be significant, noting existing prior rulings against Höcke for using the SA slogan “Alles für Deutschland.” This decision does not constitute an acquittal. Höcke still faces separate legal proceedings regarding allegations of incitement to hatred related to a 2022 Telegram post.