Far-Right Leader Björn Höcke Convicted of Using Banned Nazi Slogan

For the second time in seven weeks, a German court has convicted the prominent far-right leader Björn Höcke of using a banned Nazi slogan. This conviction adds to a series of legal setbacks for Mr. Höcke, who leads the nationalist Alternative for Germany party in Thuringia.

Conviction Details

• Mr. Höcke was found guilty of willfully ignoring the ban on the Nazi slogan “Everything for Germany” and was fined 16,900 euros after using the phrase late last year.
• This decision follows a previous fine of 13,000 euros imposed on Mr. Höcke in mid-May for using the same slogan during a campaign speech in 2021.
• The judge found that Mr. Höcke deliberately directed a crowd to complete the banned slogan, which has historical ties to the Nazi party’s paramilitary wing.

Legal Implications and Defense

Specific phrases, greetings, uniforms, and symbols associated with the Nazis are prohibited in Germany. While Mr. Höcke and his lawyers previously claimed ignorance of the slogan’s dark history, his defense this time argued against the ban of the phrase, despite video evidence presented in court.

Mr. Höcke’s Response

In his closing statement, Mr. Höcke, known for his extreme views, accused the trial of being politically motivated and aimed at stifling his political speech. He called on his party to launch parliamentary investigations into the state justice system.

Political Context

• The Alternative for Germany party saw significant gains in the recent European Parliament elections, winning 15.9% of the national vote and 30.7% in Thuringia, where Mr. Höcke leads the party.
• The far-right party is expected to make further advances in state elections in September, signaling a rise in far-right sentiment in Germany.