Austrian right-wing extremist – entry ban to Germany imposed on Martin Sellner
www.picturedesk.com
Video: rbb24 Brandenburg aktuell| March 19, 2024 | Stephanie Teistler | Image: www.picturedesk.com
The city of Potsdam has imposed an entry ban on the former head of the “Identitarian Movement” in Austria, Martin Sellner. The proceedings were initiated after a meeting of right-wing extremists in Potsdam.
- From now on, Sellner is no longer allowed to enter Germany
- Potsdam Mayor: “We have to show that the state is not powerless”
- The city of Potsdam initiated proceedings after a meeting between right-wing extremists and members of the AfD and CDU in November, at which Sellner was present
The Austrian right-wing extremist Martin Sellner is no longer allowed to enter Germany.
The former head of the “Identitarian Movement” in Austria, Martin Sellner, made it public on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday that the city of Potsdam is refusing him entry into Germany. In a video, he holds a notice from the city, dated March 14, 2024, into the camera. “The loss of your right to freedom of movement in the Federal Republic of Germany is determined in accordance with Section 6 Paragraph 1 FreizügG/EU for reasons of public order and security,” it says in the first sentence.
First the “Southgerman newspaper” reported.
Entry ban applies immediately
The city of Potsdam only confirmed that there is an entry ban against an EU citizen into the Federal Republic of Germany. The responsible immigration authority belongs to the city of Potsdam and can refuse entry for the entire federal territory.
“We cannot comment on personal procedures,” said a city spokeswoman when asked by rbb24. “However, we can confirm that the state capital Potsdam has sent a notice to an EU citizen regarding the implementation of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU to determine the loss of the right to freedom of movement in the Federal Republic of Germany,” the spokeswoman continued.
The person concerned had previously been heard. Since in the case mentioned the immediate enforcement of the decision was ordered, “the entry ban applies immediately in principle,” the city tells rbb24.
If the person concerned is currently in Germany, he or she would have to leave within one month. However, he could appeal both against the decision on the loss of the right to freedom of movement and against its immediate enforcement.
Sellner wants to take legal action against the ban, but will stick to it for the time being.
A person who is banned from entering the country can be deported
“We have to show that the state is not powerless and uses its legitimate means. The demonstrations and rallies were an important signal. We are making it clear that democracy is defensible,” says Potsdam’s mayor Mike Schubert about the case. In order to protect fundamental rights and the Basic Law, the institutions must use their resources, said Schubert.
According to the city, the authorities determined by state law are responsible for refusing entry to Union citizens entitled to freedom of movement and for issuing and limiting an entry and residence ban. These include the local immigration authorities. If the relevant requirements are met, the federal police can also refuse entry as part of border controls in a control situation. After entering Germany, a person against whom there is an entry and residence ban can be deported. In addition, entry in violation of a ban is a punishable offense and could have criminal consequences, according to the city.
After the meeting in Potsdam became known, politicians and society leaders expressed sharp criticism and concern. Since then there have been numerous demonstrations against right-wing extremism in Brandenburg and Berlin.
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, March 19, 2024, 5:30 p.m