Story perspectives

AfD Politician Charged for Alleged Nazi Salute in Parliament

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Matthias Moosdorf, of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), was charged by Berlin prosecutors for allegedly making a Nazi salute in parliament.
The Bundestag lifted his parliamentary immunity in October.
Moosdorf said he was checking his wife's coat.
The AfD is classified as a right-wing extremist organization, with identified extremists totaling about 20,000 after a 77% rise.
The party is currently polling first ahead of five state elections next year.

History

Historical Context

Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party rose to power in Germany in 1933, establishing a totalitarian regime marked by extreme antisemitism and political repression. The party's ideology, rooted in far-right nationalism, led to the Holocaust, where six million Jews were murdered. Today, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) reflects a troubling resurgence of extremist sentiments, with membership increasing by 77% to around 20,000, echoing historical patterns of far-right nationalism.

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Story summary

Matthias Moosdorf, of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), was charged by Berlin prosecutors for allegedly making a Nazi salute in parliament.
The Bundestag lifted his parliamentary immunity in October.
Moosdorf said he was checking his wife's coat.
The AfD is classified as a right-wing extremist organization, with identified extremists totaling about 20,000 after a 77% rise.
The party is currently polling first ahead of five state elections next year.

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