A German far-right lawmaker, Matthias Moosdorf of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has been charged with making a Nazi salute in parliament. The incident occurred in June 2023 near the Reichstag building’s cloakroom, where Moosdorf allegedly greeted a party member with the banned gesture, ensuring it was visible to others. Prosecutors in Berlin filed charges after the Bundestag lifted Moosdorf’s parliamentary immunity in October.
Moosdorf denies the accusation, claiming it was fabricated to create a political spectacle. The AfD has been classified as a right-wing extremist organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency and is currently polling first in surveys ahead of state elections next year. The party has also strengthened ties with MAGA-aligned Republicans.
