HALLE, Germany (AP) — One of the most prominent figures in the far-right Alternative for Germany party is going on trial Thursday on charges of twice using a Nazi slogan, months before a regional election in which he is running to become his state’s governor. Björn Höcke, 52, is the leader of the regional branch of Alternative for Germany, or AfD, in the eastern state of Thuringia and a powerful figure on the party’s hard right. While never formally a national leader of AfD, the former history teacher has been consistently influential as the 11-year-old party has steadily headed further right and ousted several comparatively moderate leaders. At the trial at the state court in Halle, he is charged with using symbols of unconstitutional organizations. He is accused of ending a speech in nearby Merseburg in May 2021 with the words “Everything for Germany!” |
Royal Bank of Scotland to close 18 more branches with the loss of 105 jobsTeen fighter pauses near Myawaddy to talk of decision to join resistance — Radio Free AsiaWondrous Xinjiang: Xinjiang's mobile bazaar blooms aheadG7 comes for Putin, Ayatollah and Xi: Ukraine to receive frozen Russian assets to fund 'gameCoyotes' move to Salt Lake City elicits opposing responses in 2 citiesNFL draft will include many Michigan men, maybe enough to break record set by 2022 Georgia BulldogsMan dies in fire under Atlantic City pier near homeless encampmentNice scores three as lax defending against costs LorientRoyal Bank of Scotland to close 18 more branches with the loss of 105 jobsIowa lawmakers approve bill just in time to increase compensation for Boy Scout abuse victims