A court in Cologne has banned stricter supervision of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) political party. German media reported on Wednesday that German intelligence had identified the country’s largest opposition party as a “suspected case” of right-wing extremism. As a result, the service could, among other things, eavesdrop on telephone conversations from members.
According to sources, the security service Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV) suspects the party as a whole of links with right-wing extremists. The AfD could therefore be a threat to democracy. By labeling the entire party as suspect, the use of informers would also become a possibility.
Leaders of the right-wing nationalist AfD reacted indignantly and announced that they would go to court. The court now confirms to German media that the security service has been called back for the time being because the decision is still being challenged.
The AfD was founded in 2013 as a conservative and right-wing liberal party that was especially critical of the euro. Due to internal strife and rivalry, the AfD moved to the right in 2015 and 2017. Many members have contacts with extreme right-wing groups.
The party now mainly stands for nationalism, conservatism and populism and fiercely opposes immigration and Islamic influences. Party leader Alexander Gauland disputes that the party is right-wing extremist.
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