A heated debate is unfolding in Germany over the revocation of gun licenses from members of the “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) party.
A recent ruling by the Magdeburg Administrative Court upheld the police’s right to withdraw such permits, citing the classification of the party as a “definitively far-right organization” according to the findings of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Three AfD members attempted to challenge the decision of the Magdeburg police, but the court dismissed their lawsuit. According to the ruling, in order to retain their right to own firearms, the plaintiffs would have had to publicly distance themselves from the statements and actions of other party members who shape its image in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. However, as stated in the court’s decision, no such attempts were recorded.
Notably, in the summer of last year, the same court issued an opposing ruling, stating that mere membership in the AfD could not serve as grounds for revoking a gun license. The current verdict, however, does not cite any individual misconduct by the plaintiffs, raising concerns about its compliance with the principles of the rule of law.
If this court decision remains in force, similar measures could be taken against AfD members in other federal states such as Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg. This could affect hunters, sport shooters, and other legal gun owners.
Additionally, there is a risk of increased pressure on law enforcement officers who are members of the AfD. In the worst case, police officers may find themselves forced to choose between continuing their service or maintaining their party affiliation.
Critics argue that the court’s decision effectively introduces the principle of collective responsibility and could lead to restrictions on civil rights based on political affiliation. Given the growing support for the AfD, this move could further heighten tensions in Germany’s political landscape.
