Berlin’s public prosecutor’s office has filed charges against Alternative for Germany (AfD) parliamentarian Matthias Moosdorf at the Tiergarten District Court, escalating a controversy surrounding the display of symbols deemed unconstitutional. The indictment, announced Monday, centers on allegations that Moosdorf utilized prohibited insignia during a Bundestag session.
The incident occurred on June 22, 2023, when Moosdorf allegedly greeted a fellow AfD parliamentarian within the Reichstag building’s east access area near the changing rooms. The greeting reportedly involved a “Hackenschlag” – a gesture historically associated with far-right groups – and the “Hitlergruß” the proscribed salute of the Nazi era. Prosecutors assert that Moosdorf was consciously aware that the greeting would be visible to others present in the entryway.
The case has drawn significant political scrutiny, particularly regarding the boundaries of free expression within parliamentary proceedings. The Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, formally waived Moosdorf’s immunity in October 2023, paving the way for the charges to proceed. This decision underscored the seriousness with which lawmakers view the potential for displays of extremist symbolism within the Reichstag.
Critics argue that the incident reflects a broader normalization of far-right ideology within the AfD and raises concerns about the party’s commitment to democratic values. While the AfD has repeatedly condemned displays of antisemitism and extremism, this case challenges perceptions of genuine denunciation, prompting questions about the vigilance with which the party addresses internal issues. The upcoming trial is expected to further illuminate the complexities surrounding parliamentary immunity, freedom of speech and the limits of acceptable behavior within Germany’s democratic institutions and the prosecution’s handling of the case is likely to come under intense observation.
