German far-right MP charged over alleged Nazi salute in parliament

Monday 15 - 14:00

By: Sahili Aya

German far-right MP charged over alleged Nazi salute in parliament

Berlin — German prosecutors announced on Monday that a lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been formally charged in connection with an alleged Nazi salute made inside the national parliament.

According to the public prosecutor’s office in Berlin, the incident dates back to June 2023, when the MP is accused of greeting a fellow party member at the eastern entrance of the Reichstag building with a heel click followed by a gesture associated with Adolf Hitler. Authorities stated that the act was visible to others present at the scene.

The use of Nazi symbols and gestures is strictly prohibited under German law and can result in a prison sentence of up to three years.

German media identified the accused as Matthias Moosdorf, a 60-year-old parliamentarian representing the city of Zwickau in the eastern state of Saxony. His parliamentary immunity was lifted in October, allowing prosecutors to move forward with the case.

Moosdorf denied the allegations in a statement published on social media platform X on Monday.

A member of the AfD since 2016, Moosdorf previously served as foreign policy spokesperson for the party’s parliamentary group. He was removed from the position earlier this year following internal disputes linked to his perceived closeness to Russia.

Media reports have also highlighted his professional ties to Russia, including his former role as an honorary professor at a Moscow music academy and performances in the country during 2023 and 2024, which were reportedly funded by Russian state-linked entities.