A senior member of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been convicted for the second time for using a Nazi slogan at a political event.
Björn Höcke (53) who plans to run for governor in the eastern state of Thuringia later in September, was fined 13, 000 euros last month for using the banned Nazi slogan “Everything for Germany”, the AP reported.
In the current case, prosecutors alleged that he repeated the offense at the AfD event in Gera in December, “in certain knowledge” that using the slogan is a criminal offense.
In Germany, the “Everything for Germany” motto and along with other Nazi slogans and symbols, which were used by the Sturmabteilung paramilitary group that played a key role in Adolf Hitler’s rise to power are banned and those found guilty of using them can face a fine or up to three years in prison.
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On Monday, a Halle Regional Court found Höcke guilty of using signs of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations and sentenced him to a fine of 130 daily rates of 130 euros each — or 16,900 euros ($18,000) — German news agency dpa reported.
He could possibly appeal the ruling as his lawyers have already indicated they intend to do so for the earlier conviction. The conviction won’t block him from running in the election.
