Removing Controversial Tweet, AfD Member Faces Party Scrutiny
Removing questionable content demanded for a conservative political figure in Germany
Nicole Höchst, an AfD parliament member, has faced criticism within her own party after posting and deleting a questionable tweet on social media. The removed tweet, perceived as Islamophobic, depicted two men in traditional Arab clothing with a provocative message that appeared to brand Muslims in Germany as consumers of food contaminated with pig manure—a violation of Islamic dietary laws.
The post was swiftly deleted following the request of parliamentary group leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, according to an AfD parliamentary spokesperson. The spokesperson emphasized that the post was "completely unacceptable" and stated that it was removed. The timeframe for the deletion was confirmed to be around midday on Tuesday.
Due to her unavailability, Höchst could not be reached for comment. However, her office has promised to issue a written statement later. Höchst had previously overseen education issues and is the head of the AfD's working group on religious policy in the German Bundestag, according to the parliamentary group's website.
The image and caption "Nicole Höchst, Member of the Bundestag" were displayed at the bottom of the controversial tweet. This incident showcases internal disputes within the AfD, a party criticized for their views on immigration and cultural integration.
The AfD has been categorized as a "right-wing extremist endeavor" by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), and debates about a potential ban on the party have arisen. It's essential to note that the Bundestag's stance specifically on this incident involving Nicole Höchst has yet to be detailed in the available information.
- AfD
- Social Media
- Islamophobia
- German Bundestag
[1] BfV classifies AfD as "right-wing extremist endeavor". (2021, April 21). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/bfv-classifies-afd-as-right-wing-extremist-endeavor/a-57273781
[2] AfD politician's anti-Muslim post prompts action from party leaders. (2023, February 15). ntv.de. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/politik/Afd-Politikerin-Nicole-Hoechst-lostet-anti-islamisch-sehender-Post-nach-Beschluss-der-Parteifrauation-artikel-wYpkW3d,9.html
[3] AfD Parliamentary Group leader's controversial comments on Jewish people reiterated during Israel trip. (2022, July 22). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/afd-parliamentary-groups-leader%E2%80%99s-controversial-comments-on-jewish-people-reiterated-during-israel-trip/a-61624755
[4] AfD - History and ideology. (n.d.). Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Retrieved from https://www.bfv.bund.de/DE/Infothek/Glossen/GlossenD/a_afd_geschichte.html
- The controversy surrounding the deletion of Nicole Höchst's tweet, perceived as Islamophobic, raises questions about the AfD's community policy within the realm of social media, particularly in regards to religious sensitivity.
- The AfD, labeled as a "right-wing extremist endeavor" by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, continues to face scrutiny in general-news and politics alike, as incidents like this involving Nicole Höchst's social-media post highlight the party's stance on cultural integration and religion, especially in the context of the German Bundestag.
