The Thuringian AfD leader Björn Höcke is charged with using a banned slogan from the Sturmabteilung (SA), the paramilitary fighting organization of the NSDAP. The public prosecutor's office accuses him of using the symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations.
Just a week ago, the former history teacher denied on television that he knew that it was a banned slogan. The trial in Halle begins on Thursday (April 18th, from 9 a.m.) The indictment is expected to be read out on the first day of the main hearing, as is usual in court proceedings. Höcke has the opportunity to respond to the allegations either personally or through his defense attorney. The trial will take place in the security wing of the justice center in Halle. At the beginning of the hearing, there are likely to be protests in front of the court. However, it remains unclear whether there will be a conviction at all. The court could theoretically decide that H cke temporarily loses his right to vote and to stand for election. A prerequisite for this would be that H cke is sentenced to a prison sentence of at least six months. The AfD wants to become Prime Minister of Thuringia. He is considered to have no chance because none of the parties previously represented in state parliament want to form a coalition with the AfD.