Overview

• The Hamburg state parliament faction removed the 41-year-old deputy after his participation in the September founding meeting of the 'Paladiny' league in Russia.
• Regional party leaders have opened disciplinary proceedings that could result in his expulsion from the AfD.
• Faction leaders say he broke internal rules by failing to seek prior approval and by misleading colleagues, and Hamburg chair Dirk Nockemann said he showed no remorse.
• Risch contends the trip was private, says he accompanied former colleague Olga Petersen, claims he did not know the program or participants, and says he spoke only about peace in Europe.
• Radio Svoboda uncovered his presence by analyzing event images, and the episode drew criticism from CDU, SPD, The Left, and The Greens.