A regional leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has sparked controversy by advocating for the reinstatement of former members linked to an alleged far-right extremist group accused of plotting violent acts.

Björn Höcke, the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the state of Thuringia, has come under fire for his recent remarks supporting the reinstatement of three former party members accused of ties to a far-right extremist group known as the ‘Saxon Separatists.’ The group has been accused by federal prosecutors of planning to seize control of areas in Saxony through armed violence, with the alleged aim of establishing a state based on Nazi ideology. Höcke has publicly declared the accused individuals innocent and criticized their treatment by the justice system.

In a series of speeches delivered since mid-2025, Höcke has claimed that the arrests of the ‘Saxon Separatists’ were politically motivated, alleging they were orchestrated to prevent a potential coalition between the AfD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Saxony. He described the accused as ‘young family men’ unfairly detained and labeled them as ‘victims of the justice system.’ Höcke also criticized his party’s decision to strip the individuals of their membership rights, calling it a mistake and vowing to push for their reinstatement and legal support.

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with authorities rejecting Höcke’s allegations. The Saxony Interior Ministry has dismissed claims of political interference, emphasizing that the arrests were part of a federal investigation into terrorism and extremism. The controversy has reignited debates over the AfD’s stance on far-right extremism and its broader implications for German politics.