Legal proceedings against AfD politicians in Germany

Legal actions involving members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party have seen varying outcomes in German courts.

In one instance, the Gera prosecutor’s office discontinued proceedings against party leader Björn Höcke regarding allegations of disparaging the state. The investigation focused on a 2022 speech in which Höcke described the Federal Republic of Germany as being “externally determined” and driven into war by a “foreign power.” While this specific case was dropped due to the likely insignificance of the potential penalty, authorities noted it does not constitute an acquittal, and Höcke remains subject to separate legal proceedings regarding allegations of incitement to hatred.

Separately, the German Federal Court of Justice upheld the conviction of Brandenburg state parliament member Wilko Möller. Möller was found guilty of using symbols of unconstitutional organizations after employing a 2024 campaign poster featuring an arm gesture similar to a ‘Hitler salute’. The court rejected Möller’s appeal, confirming the lower court's decision after finding that he proceeded with the printing and display of approximately 50 copies despite recognizing the similarity of the gesture.