German court fines prominent far-right politician for knowingly using a Nazi slogan in a speech
A court in Germany has ruled that one of the best-known figures in the far-right Alternative for Germany party knowingly used a Nazi slogan in a speech and ordered him to pay a fine
By Pietro De Cristofaro And Geir Moulson
Published - May 14, 2024, 10:28 PM ET
Last Updated - May 27, 2024, 12:57 AM EDT
HALLE, Germany (AP) — A court ruled on Tuesday that one of the best-known figures in the far-right Alternative for Germany party knowingly used a Nazi slogan in a speech and ordered him to pay a fine.
The verdict in Björn Höcke’s trial comes months before a regional election in the eastern state of Thuringia in which he plans to run for the governor’s job.
The state court in the eastern city of Halle convicted Höcke of using symbols of a former Nazi organization. It imposed a fine totaling 13,000 euros (about $14,000).
The charge can carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Prosecutors had sought a six-month suspended sentence, while defense lawyers argued for acquittal.
