Investigations against AfD youth set: Who is behind the Hitler salute?

Investigations against AfD youth set: Who is behind the Hitler salute?

The Attorney General Koblenz has ceased the investigation against the AfD youth organization "Junge Alternative" (yes). This decision was made in the context of an incident in which a supposedly shown Hitler salute was statistically recorded during a celebration in Mainz. According to spokesman Christopher Do Paço Quesado, no perpetrators could be determined, which led to the investigation. The background is an incident from June 2023, in which the celebration took place in the "Center Rheinhessen", in which around 100 visitors took part.

The event for the investigation was suspected that National Socialist marks were used, in particular the Hitler salute. Witnesses were interviewed, but the investigation against unknown persons remained with no result, which also underlines the difficulties in identifying those responsible. The AfD head of the AfD in Rhineland-Palatinate, Bollinger, has now called for the resignation of Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD) because he assumes party mood and accuses him of having played out the trust of the population.

incident and context

The celebration in the "Center of Rheinhessen", seat of the AfD district associations Mainz and Mainz-Bingen and the state office of the AfD, was overshadowed by several right-wing extremist incidents. At this event, participants expressed their support for the use of National Socialist concentration camps and wore clothes that come from the right -wing extremist scene. These incidents throw a bright light on the attitude of the AfD youth organization, which is classified as "secured right-wing extremist" by the constitutional protection authorities.

The "Center Rheinhessen" is operated by an association whose foundation took place in 2017 and which originally described itself as a German cultural heritage foundation. Both officials of the AfD and head of a right -wing extremist association, "one percent", were present at the foundation. The association propagates an ideological orientation that is extremely migration and Muslim hostile and is seen as the "organizational engine" of the new right.

political reactions and social effects

The political reactions to the events can already be felt clearly. Ebling had previously reported in the state parliament of the glorification of National Socialism at the celebration. The call to withdrawal not only calls for an admission of the political leadership, but also illuminates the deep trenches that exist between the AfD and the established parties in Germany.

In the discussion, there are central questions of political culture and the use of right -wing extremist symbols that are strictly prohibited in Germany according to § 86a StGB. This regulation also applies to other forms of propaganda that are associated with the National Socialist ideology. However, the legal framework also allows uses to be used for educational and reporting purposes, which rejects the debate about the limits of freedom of expression and protection of the democratic order.

The attitude of the investigation could be understood as a sign of the restriction in combating extremist currents. In the meantime, the AfD continues to focus on an aggressive political strategy, while critics take the democratic institutions responsible.

Overall, this case shows how fragile the dealings with German history and the processing of right -wing extremism can be. The experiences at the "Center of Rheinhessen" are part of an overall social discourse across borders of expression and the responsibility of political actors in the present.

For further details on the legal aspects of right -wing extremist symbols in Germany, Wikipedia comprehensively on the topic. Also Die Rheinpfalz and Südwestrundfunk provide detailed information about the current developments in the case of AfD youth organization.