In a notable development, Bjorn Hocke, a prominent member of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, is being tried for allegedly using a banned Nazi slogan. Hocke, the 52-year-old leader of the anti-migrant AfD in the state of Thuringia, has been accused of invoking the phrase "Alles fur Deutschland" ("Everything for Germany"), a slogan associated with the Nazis' SA stormtroopers. The trial, which commenced on Thursday in Halle, comes just months before state elections in which Hocke hopes to gain victory.

Growing scrutiny surrounds the AfD party, as reports suggest senior figures have discussed the deportation of individuals with non-ethnic German backgrounds. Hocke is accused of concluding a speech in Merseburg, Saxony-Anhalt, ahead of Germany's 2021 federal elections with the words "Everything for Germany." This phrase, along with other Nazi slogans and symbols, is illegal in Germany. Consequently, Hocke faces charges of using symbols of unconstitutional groups, including the Nazi party, which can lead to both fines and prison sentences of up to three years.

During a recent debate with a conservative rival, Hocke, a former history teacher, claimed to be oblivious to the fact that "Everything for Germany" was a Nazi slogan. He insisted that it was a common phrase known to everyone. However, prosecutors argue that Hocke was aware of its historical origin.

The trial, expected to last until mid-May, stands to complicate Hocke's political prospects. He has been considered a potential state premier in Thuringia due to the AfD's leading position in the polls ahead of the upcoming regional elections in September. Moreover, the AfD has faced a series of scandals at the national level after its rapid rise last year. Some senior party members have been accused of spreading pro-Russian content for financial gain.

Outside the court, hundreds of protesters have gathered with banners reading "Stop the AfD" and "Bjorn Hocke is a Nazi." The outcome of this trial will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Hocke personally, but also for the AfD and the wider political landscape in Germany.