German Court Fines Far-Right Leader for Using Nazi Slogan

Björn Höcke of the AfD received a €13,000 fine for employing banned Nazi-era phrase, raising questions about free speech and political extremism in Germany.

Björn Höcke, a prominent AfD politician, was convicted for using a Nazi slogan during a 2021 rally.
The court imposed a €13,000 fine, rejecting Höcke's defense that he was unaware of the phrase's origins.
This ruling comes ahead of regional elections in Thuringia, where Höcke is a gubernatorial candidate.
The AfD faces multiple controversies, including allegations of spreading pro-Russian views and extremist classification.
Calls for a potential ban on the AfD are intensifying following recent legal setbacks.