Press
Björn Höcke is said to have used an SA slogan in a speech. Now the AfD politician himself could testify about the allegations.
Halle – Björn Höcke is said to have used an SA slogan and is therefore on trial in Halle. On the second day of the trial in “Höcke process” he now has the chance to respond to the allegations.
process against Thuringian AfD leader
The second day of the main hearing in the Höcke trial began on Tuesday (April 23). The 52-year-old should be given the opportunity to comment on the allegations against him. One of the AfD politician's defense lawyers explained in advance that his client would speak out and answer questions from the public prosecutor's office.
The public prosecutor's office accuses Höcke of knowingly using an SA slogan in a speech in May 2021. Specifically, it is about the forbidden slogan “Everything for Germany” of the Sturmabteilung (SA) of the NSDAP. The penalty in such cases ranges from a fine to a prison sentence of three years.
accusations against Björn Höcke
In one Television duel with Mario Voigt (CDU) Höcke had already commented on the allegations and defended his choice of words. He used the slogan “Everything for Germany” in a free campaign speech and ultimately the slogan “America First”. Donald Trump Freely interpreted into German, he said at the broadcaster World.
When asked whether he didn't know during the speech that the saying was an SA slogan, he said: “No, I didn't know.”
Höcke wants to Thuringia state election compete
Both State elections in Thuringia Höcke wants to run as his party's top candidate on September 1st. In Thuringia, the AfD is classified and monitored by the state Office for the Protection of the Constitution as “secure right-wing extremist”.
On the first day of the hearing, the proceedings were delayed enormously – also because Höcke's lawyers had submitted several applications and complaints. A total of four dates are planned for the trial in Halle until mid-May. (AFP/frs)
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