Melanie Müller Opens Appeal in Leipzig, Challenges 2024 Conviction Over Nazi Salute and Drug Charge

Overview

• Opening the appeal on December 19 at the Leipzig regional court, Müller pleaded not guilty and is seeking an acquittal.
• The prosecution relies on September 2022 videos said to show repeated Hitler salutes, while the defense says the moves were a long‑used cheer gesture kept below eye level.
• Müller told the court she was heavily intoxicated, did not initially hear racist chants due to in‑ear monitors, and ended the performance once she realized.
• Testimony described roughly 0.6–0.69 grams of a cocaine mixture and one ecstasy tablet found in handbags at her home, which the defense attributes to a visiting friend.
• Two additional hearings are set for January 2026, when the court plans to revisit evidence and question Müller about her income following earlier remarks about a luxurious lifestyle.