The Austrian right-wing extremist is said to have “provocatively” promoted his book in the German Saarland.
The police in Saarland are investigating a possible prohibited Hitler salute against Austrian right-wing extremist Martin Sellner. Investigations have been initiated based on the suspicion of using symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations, the police announced on Friday in Saarbrücken. Sellner was in the Saarland state capital on Thursday evening to present a self-written book.
A demonstration against the private event was organized by the group “Grandmothers Against the Right.” According to police, Sellner approached the counter-demonstration and “provocatively” promoted his book there. It was also reported that he was filmed and photographed by several individuals during this time. Subsequently, several of these recordings were made available to the police with the indication that they showed Sellner making a Hitler salute.
Greens: “Are Identitarians still just an NGO from the FPÖ’s perspective?”
Sellner is a leading figure of the right-wing extremist Identitarian Movement in the German-speaking world. According to research by the Correctiv network, he was also a speaker at the secret meeting of AfD members and right-wing extremists in Potsdam in November, where the mass expulsion of people with a migration background from Germany was reportedly discussed.
As a result, the city of Potsdam imposed an entry and residence ban against Sellner in March. He successfully challenged this decision in an expedited procedure before the Potsdam Administrative Court. Since the city of Potsdam did not file an appeal, the decision became legally binding.
“Are the Identitarians still just an NGO from the FPÖ’s perspective, as Kickl has completely forgotten history and downplayed in the past?” asked Olga Voglauer, Secretary General of the Greens, in a statement. “Will the FPÖ continue to seek proximity to an organization whose most famous face shows the Hitler salute?” (APA/AFP)