John Caldwell:A German court will try a far-right politician next month over a second alleged use of a Nazi slogan

2025-05-07 18:27:25source:Sureim Investment Guildcategory:Invest

BERLIN (AP) — A prominent member of the far-right Alternative for Germany party who was fined for knowingly using a Nazi slogan in a speech will go on John Caldwelltrial again next month for allegedly using the slogan a second time, a court said Wednesday.

The state court in Halle scheduled the proceedings for June 24 and 26 against Björn Höcke, who plans to run for the governor’s job in the eastern state of Thuringia in a state election in September. The charge of using symbols of an unconstitutional organization can carry a fine or up to three years in prison.

On May 14, the same court convicted Höcke of that charge and imposed a fine of 13,000 euros ($14,100). The first case centered on a speech in Merseburg in May 2021 in which Höcke used the phrase “Everything for Germany!”

Judges agreed with prosecutors’ argument that he was aware of its origin as a slogan of the Nazis’ SA stormtroopers. Höcke, a former history teacher, has said that he’s innocent and argued that it was an “everyday saying.” His lawyers are appealing against the verdict.

The second count against Höcke was added to his first trial shortly before it opened, but judges then decided to try it separately because his defense team had recently changed.

READ MORE More players accused in Australian soccer match-fixing investigation14 pro-democracy activists convicted, 2 acquitted in Hong Kong’s biggest national security caseTo recuse or refuse? A look at Supreme Court justices’ decisions on whether to step aside in cases

Prosecutors have alleged that he repeated the offense at an Alternative for Germany, or AfD, event in Gera last December, “in certain knowledge” that using the slogan is a criminal offense.

They say that Höcke said “Everything for ...” and encouraged the audience to shout “Germany!”

AfD has built a strong core of support, particularly in the formerly communist east. But it has had a turbulent few weeks, partly a result of scandals surrounding its lead candidate for next month’s European Parliament election.

More:Invest

Recommend

Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department and the city of Louisville have reached an agreem

WWE star Maryse reveals 'rare pre-cancer' diagnosis, planning hysterectomy

WWE star Maryse announced she was has a "rare pre-cancer of the ovaries" is determined to beat her d

Super Bowl 2024: 'Tis the Damn Season for a Look at Taylor Swift's Game Day Style

Write this down: Taylor Swift is officially in her Super Bowl era.The 14-time Grammy winner is geari