In a recent legal development, Björn Höcke, a high-profile politician from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has been convicted for the second time of knowingly using a Nazi slogan at a political event. The conviction comes as Höcke gears up to run for governor in the eastern state of Thuringia in September.

The Halle Regional Court found the 52-year-old guilty of using signs of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. As a result, Höcke has been sentenced to a fine of 130 daily rates of 130 euros each, totaling 16,900 euros ($18,000), according to German news agency dpa. The charge of using symbols of an unconstitutional organization can carry a fine or up to three years in prison.

This is not the first time Höcke has been penalized for using such symbols. In May, he was fined 13,000 euros for the same offense, with his lawyers currently appealing the verdict. The previous case revolved around a speech in Merseburg where Höcke used the phrase "Everything for Germany!" In that instance, the judges agreed with prosecutors' arguments that Höcke was aware of the slogan's origin as a Nazi SA stormtroopers' rallying cry.

In the current case, prosecutors alleged that Höcke repeated the offense at an AfD event in Gera in December. They claimed that he said "Everything for..." and encouraged the audience to shout "Germany!" Prosecutors argued that Höcke was fully aware that using the slogan is a criminal offense. However, Höcke maintained his innocence, questioning whether using everyday words as part of the phrase constitutes a criminal offense.

During the court ruling, Judge Jan Stengel cited a video of the Gera speech showing Höcke's "mimic approval," indicating his intention for the audience to complete the banned slogan. The judge argued that this further substantiated the prosecutor's claims.

The AfD party has garnered significant support, particularly in the formerly communist eastern region, including Thuringia. Despite recent scandals and setbacks, the party managed to secure a second-place finish in the European Parliament election, claiming 15.9% of the vote.

This conviction serves as yet another blow to the controversial AfD party and raises questions about the adherence to democratic values within their ranks. With Höcke's planned candidacy for governor in Thuringia, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for both his political career and the image of the AfD party itself.