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Brandenburg Lawmakers Deny Immunity as AfD Deputy Faces Trial Over Alleged Nazi Salute Poster

The refusal clears the way for Frankfurt (Oder) proceedings focused on a mirrored stock photo, with a provisional verdict expected on 24 February.

Overview

  • The Brandenburg Landtag voted to reject Wilko Möller’s request for immunity, allowing the criminal case to continue uninterrupted.
  • Prosecutors say a 2024 campaign poster showed parents lifting their arms over children in a way that evoked a banned salute, and they charge the designer with mirroring a stock image so the man’s right arm appears raised.
  • At the opening hearing, Möller and the co-defendant declined to comment as the court screened a prior social-media video in which Möller defended the poster.
  • The court set additional hearing dates and penciled in 24 February for a verdict that reporting says could affect Möller’s political career.
  • The proceedings unfold as Brandenburg’s intelligence service classifies the AfD as right‑wing extremist and as BSW lawmakers split, with member Christian Dorst publicly siding with Möller and criticizing the case.