Current:Home > MyA German court will try a far-right politician next month over a second alleged use of a Nazi slogan-InfoLens
A German court will try a far-right politician next month over a second alleged use of a Nazi slogan
View Date:2024-12-23 11:55:53
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 trial 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.
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.
veryGood! (85858)
Related
- Study finds Wisconsin voters approved a record number of school referenda
- Theater show spotlights the stories of those who are Asian American and Jewish
- NCAA athlete-pay settlement could mean 6-figure paychecks for top college players
- At least 7 dead in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after severe weather roars across region
- NFL coaches diversity report 2024: Gains at head coach, setbacks at offensive coordinator
- Senate Democrats seek meeting with Chief Justice John Roberts after Alito flag controversy
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin undergoes successful non-surgical procedure, Pentagon says
- California teenager arrested after violent swarm pounded and kicked a deputy’s car
- New Yorkers vent their feelings over the election and the Knicks via subway tunnel sticky notes
- Idaho drag performer awarded $1.1 million in defamation case against far-right blogger
Ranking
- Bowl projections: SEC teams joins College Football Playoff field
- WWE King and Queen of the Ring 2024 results: Gunther, Nia Jax take the crown
- What is the first round order for the 2024 NHL draft? Who are the top prospects?
- Sofia Richie announces birth of her first child, daughter Eloise: 'Best day of my life'
- Vogue Model Dynus Saxon Charged With Murder After Stabbing Attack
- 3 injured, 1 arrested at Skyline High School's graduation in Oakland, California: Police
- PGA Tour star Grayson Murray dead at 30
- Nevada voter ID initiative can appear on 2024 ballot with enough signatures, state high court says
Recommendation
-
Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
-
Uvalde families sue gunmaker, Instagram, Activision over weapons marketing
-
Memorial Day kicks off summer grilling season. Follow these tips to avoid food illnesses
-
Lenny Kravitz says he's open to finding love: I've never felt how I feel now
-
Sofia Richie Reveals 5-Month-Old Daughter Eloise Has a Real Phone
-
Juan Soto booed in return to San Diego. He regrets that he didn't play better for Padres.
-
List of winners at the 77th Cannes Film Festival
-
George Floyd's brother says he still has nightmares about his 2020 murder