Björn Höcke, a prominent figure in the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has sparked controversy by advocating for the release of individuals accused of plotting to establish a neo-Nazi state.

Björn Höcke, a senior member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has publicly defended Kurt H., a former AfD official currently in custody for alleged involvement in the extremist group known as the ‘Saxon Separatists.’ The group is accused of planning to overthrow Germany’s democratic system and establish a neo-Nazi state through violent means. Höcke visited H.’s family before attending a party event, calling them ‘an upstanding family’ and questioning the legitimacy of the charges against H.

The ‘Saxon Separatists’ have been described by federal prosecutors as a militant organization driven by racist, antisemitic, and apocalyptic ideologies. Kurt H., who previously held multiple positions within the AfD, was arrested in November 2024 during a raid by Germany’s elite GSG 9 unit. Höcke has suggested that H.’s arrest was politically motivated, claiming it was part of a broader effort to undermine potential cooperation between the AfD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) following state elections in Saxony.

During a speech at an AfD event, Höcke criticized Germany’s judicial system, alleging it has been weaponized against political opponents. He described himself as a victim of ‘political justice’ and implied that H.’s case exemplifies systemic corruption aimed at suppressing opposition parties. While Höcke admitted he lacked detailed evidence, his remarks have fueled debate over the AfD’s ties to extremist groups and its stance on Germany’s democratic values.