Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has taken the unusual step of expelling three members suspected of ties to the extremist group known as the 'Sächsische Separatisten.' This decision marks a shift for a party previously known for supporting members under investigation. The move comes amid concerns over potential legal actions against the party, including an upgrade to its classification as a secured right-wing extremist group and the possibility of a ban.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office recently arrested eight individuals linked to this group, including an AfD member's assistant, who was injured during the operation. One suspect was arrested in Poland and awaits extradition to Germany. The authorities have charged the detainees with membership in a terrorist organization, a charge they face after extensive raids in Poland and Saxony.
The 'Sächsische Separatisten' aimed to establish a nationalist state in Saxony and Eastern Germany, rejecting democratic principles and envisioning a violent overthrow of the current government. The group, which initially comprised three brothers with a family history of right-wing extremism, expanded its membership over time. They engaged in combat training and harbored plans for ethnic cleansing.
A security informant played a crucial role in unveiling the group's plans, leading to the recent arrests and ongoing investigations. The AfD's decision to expel the implicated members is a notable reaction to the growing scrutiny and legal pressures that threaten the party's standing and future in German politics.
