After Höcke Speech: AfD Files Criminal Complaint Against Police - AfD lawmakers file criminal complaints over Höcke's controversial speech scrutiny
Two AfD lawmakers in Thuringia have filed criminal complaints against unnamed police officials. The move follows scrutiny of far-right politician Björn Höcke after he repeated a controversial slogan in a recent speech. The complaints argue that Höcke, a member of the state parliament, is being unfairly targeted despite his immunity as a lawmaker. The complaints were lodged by Sascha Schlösser and Daniel Haseloff, both members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. They claim Höcke is being persecuted for political reasons, pointing to his parliamentary immunity. Under German law, legislators cannot be prosecuted for votes or statements made in parliament without their immunity being waived first.
The case stems from Höcke’s use of a slogan that previously led to his conviction in 2021. This time, the Thuringia State Police Directorate confirmed they are reviewing whether a criminal offence occurred but have not launched a formal investigation. The matter has now been passed to the public prosecutor’s office, which will decide whether to request that Höcke’s immunity be lifted. Schlösser has stated that the AfD will pursue all available parliamentary measures to challenge the situation. The party has indicated it may not limit its response to the criminal complaints alone. The AfD in Thuringia remains under surveillance by the state’s domestic intelligence agency, which classifies it as a confirmed far-right organisation.
The legal dispute centres on Höcke’s immunity and the limits of free speech for lawmakers. Without a waiver of his protections, no formal investigation can proceed. The outcome will determine whether the case moves forward or remains blocked by parliamentary rules.
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