German court upholds surveillance of far-right AfD by domestic intelligence agency

The court decided that the agency was right to consider Alternative for Germany as a suspected extremist group because of statements against democracy. This means that the intelligence authorities have the legal right to view the far-right Alternative for Germany party and its youth wing as suspected extremist groups. The court's ruling on Monday rejected an appeal by the AfD that wanted to stop intelligence agents from monitoring the party. This decision allows Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to wiretap AfD members and use informants to keep an eye on the party. The judges from the higher administrative court in Muenster believe that the AfD's classification as a suspected extremist group is justified based on statements made by politicians in the party about immigrants and Muslims in Germany. The court mentioned that there were many statements made by AfD politicians that were against migrants, regardless of how well they integrated into German society. These statements questioned the full membership of migrants in the German community, even if they had German citizenship. The judges were convinced that there were enough indications to show that the AfD was working against the dignity of certain groups of people and against democracy. Politicians in Germany's coalition government supported the court's decision, saying it protects democracy from internal threats. Germany's constitution has measures to prevent anti-democratic parties from gaining power through democratic means, to avoid a repeat of history. The AfD politicians see the surveillance and extremist designation as part of a government conspiracy against the party. They plan to fight against the ruling. The party remains popular nationally and aims to do well in the upcoming European election. The court upheld the decision to put the AfD under observation for suspected extremism, rejecting the party's appeal. The AfD strongly disagrees with this designation and views it as an attempt to discredit the party. The party plans to appeal the decision. The AfD gained support by opposing bailouts for struggling eurozone members and criticizing the acceptance of refugees and migrants in 2015. The party hopes to win big in state elections in September, especially in the eastern region where it has strong support. The court found that there was a valid suspicion that the AfD had discriminatory objectives towards German citizens with a migration background. The court did not find any improper political motives behind the intelligence agency's actions. The party's leader in Thuringia, Höcke, plans to run for governor in September and claims innocence.