Alderman in Erfurt dismissed from office because of right-wing extremist contacts

The Thuringian Higher Regional Court has dismissed a judge at the Erfurt Regional Court who was controversial because of contacts with the right-wing extremist scene. The Jena judges justified their decision by the judges who violated the principle of moderation, which also applies to honorary judges (Az. S AR 5/23). According to the provisions of the Courts Constitution Act, a jury is to be removed from office if he has grossly violated his official duties.

The principle of moderation requires judges and also honorary judges to refrain from anything that could give the impression of bias or impropriety to the outside world. In this specific case, the Alderman had registered a rally with various speakers from the right-wing extremist spectrum last November. According to media reports, she is also said to have attended at least one meeting of the NPD, which the Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified as right-wing extremist.

A judge may be politically active, according to the reasoning of the Higher Regional Court. However, the acceptance and trust of those seeking justice in the judiciary must be secured by maintaining the neutrality of the judge. This is no longer the case in the present case.

The Alderman herself has always denied right-wing extremism. The Higher Regional Court announced that their loyalty to the constitution was not checked during the course of the proceedings.

The decision against the decision already made on March 9 is final. The lay judge cannot appeal against this.

"Kick-off Politics" is WELT's daily news podcast. The most important topic analyzed by WELT editors and the dates of the day. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, among others, or directly via RSS feed.