Politician Avoids Prison for Using Banned SA Slogan at Party Event: What It Means for Thuringia’s Elections.

The politician from the AfD, who was charged with using a banned SA slogan during a party gathering, remains eligible to run for political office after being fined. Björn Höcke accurately predicted that he would have to pay another fine during his second trial, which resulted in a higher penalty of 130 daily rates of 130 euros each.

Initially, the court ruled him innocent on May 14. However, this verdict was overturned, deeming him guilty of violating Section 86a of the Criminal Code by using symbols of unconstitutional organizations. The charges against the 52-year-old politician stemmed from an incident at a regulars’ table party in Gera where he allegedly spoke the first two words of the banned SA slogan and encouraged others to complete it with gestures.

During the trial, the court rejected multiple requests from the defense to prove that “Everything for Germany” was not a symbol of the SA. Despite this, the judge ruled that it constituted a symbol of the organization and that Höcke committed it intentionally. The public prosecutor demanded a prison sentence, a ban on holding political office and a fine to be paid to a non-profit organization.

Despite these legal challenges, Höcke is continuing his campaign for Minister President in Thuringia’s upcoming state elections. He is also facing another trial for incitement in Mühlhausen.