Politicians Lose Their Licenses Following Membership in AfD Party
Article: AfD Members Face Weapon Permit Revocations in Germany
In a significant development, the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party may face nationwide revocation of weapon permits for its members, as the party is increasingly being called far-right extremist by authorities. This classification could have far-reaching implications for the party's members, as Germany maintains a strict gun control framework that links the possession of weapons to assessments of reliability and personal suitability.
According to reports by Apollo News and the Leipzig Volkszeitung, the weapons permits of city councilors Marius Beyer and Rocco Farkas have already been revoked due to their membership in the AfD, which has been classified as "undoubtedly right-wing extremist" by the Saxon Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Under German weapons law, membership in extremist groups can be grounds for revocation of firearms permits. This legal basis stems from the country's commitment to upholding the democratic constitutional order and preventing risks to public safety.
Marius Beyer's small weapons permit was granted due to his being at risk, as his lawyer stated, following a past attack in a bar and alleged vandalism of his parents' house. Those who possess a small weapons permit can carry irritant, signal, and blank-firing weapons in public. However, the revocation of Beyer's permit underscores the authorities' concerns about the potential risks posed by members of extremist groups.
Rocco Farkas, a member of a Western club and owner of a historical weapon that is no longer functional, has also had his weapon permit revoked. Farkas, like Beyer, has hired lawyer Roland Ulbrich, an AfD member, to contest the revocation.
In Saxony-Anhalt, two AfD members have recently had their weapons permits revoked, and one of them successfully regained their permit in court. This precedent suggests that while the revocation process can be challenged, it remains a viable option for authorities to restrict access to weapons for those deemed a threat to public safety.
AfD leader Ulbrich has criticized the revocation of weapon permits as "totalitarian" and "symbolic politics" that targets AfD members. He has compared the revocation to showing solidarity with left-wing extremist terrorists, drawing parallels to the controversial comparison of the AfD with the Nazi era.
In summary, if Germany officially classifies the AfD as "undoubtedly right-wing extremist" nationwide, authorities would have a robust legal basis to revoke or deny weapons permits for AfD members as a security measure to uphold the democratic constitutional order. This reflects Germany's strong stance against extremism influencing armed individuals.
What is the potential impact of the AfD being classified as right-wing extremist on the weapon permits of its members? This classification could lead to the revocation of weapon permits, as evidenced by the revocations of Marius Beyer and Rocco Farkas' permits. Under German laws, membership in extremist groups can serve as grounds for revoking firearms permits due to the country's commitment to upholding its democratic constitutional order and preventing public safety risks.
