German courts are weighing whether a prominent figure in the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party can be barred from speaking at a campaign rally.
The case centers on Björn Höcke, a senior member of the AfD and opposition leader in the Thuringian state parliament. Höcke has accused authorities of undermining democratic principles after the city of Lindenberg im Allgäu sought to prevent him from addressing supporters at an upcoming event.
“Democrats of all countries, look to Germany!” Höcke said on X. “Right now, German courts are seriously deliberating whether I should be issued a speaking ban for political events! I am entitled to the fundamental right to exercise freedom of speech.”
The city tried to cancel the AfD’s rental of the town’s Löwensaal venue altogether, but a court ruled against such a cancellation. The ruling suggested that a more limited measure—specifically prohibiting Höcke from speaking—could be legally permissible.
Following that ruling, Lindenberg authorities shifted their approach and are now pursuing a targeted speaking ban against Höcke rather than blocking the entire rally. A final decision from the Augsburg court is expected shortly.
City representatives justified their actions by citing concerns that Höcke could make statements violating criminal law or appearing to endorse Nazi-era ideology.
The AfD’s has vowed to challenge any restriction in court, framing the case as a test of free expression and party rights during an election campaign.
A similar dispute is unfolding in Seybothenreuth, Upper Franconia, where local authorities are also seeking to block a planned appearance by Höcke. A ruling from the Bayreuth Administrative Court is anticipated later this week.
The outcome of these cases could set an important precedent for freedom of expression in Germany.
