One of Germany’s most prominent far-right leaders, Björn Höcke, stands trial on Thursday, facing charges of using banned Nazi slogans at political rallies.
Using National Socialist slogans and symbols is a punishable crime in Germany, which, because of the legacy of Hitler’s rise to power, has a far more restrictive approach to free speech compared to democracies like the United States.
Mr. Höcke heads the far-right Alternative for Germany, known by its German abbreviation, AfD, in the state of Thuringia.
He is facing trial for using the slogan “Everything for Germany” at a speech in the eastern state of Saxony, where he is being put on trial.
It was the slogan of the National Socialist paramilitary group, or Storm Troopers, and was engraved on their knives.
Persons:
Björn, Höcke
Organizations:
Socialist, Germany ”, National Socialist, Storm
Locations:
Germany, United States, Thuringia, Saxony