The state of Baden-Württemberg has stopped the sale of the book “Politik von rechts – ein Manifest” by AfD politician Maximilian Krah due to a violation of image rights. The cover of the book features a photo of the Maulbronn Monastery, which is owned by the state. The Landgericht Karlsruhe ruled in favor of an injunction filed by the state against the publisher, as the images of the monastery were used without permission from the State Palaces and Gardens department. The publisher, Antaios Verlag, did not seek permission to use the image of the “Laienrefektorium” on the cover. The state is now monitoring to ensure that the book is no longer being sold, and will take legal action if necessary.
Maximilian Krah, the AfD’s lead candidate for the European elections, has been in the spotlight along with fellow party member Petr Bystron due to possible connections to pro-Russian networks. Authorities are investigating reports of potential financial transactions involving both politicians to determine if formal investigations should be launched. There are also inquiries into Krah’s possible ties to Chinese payments. Krah, who is running for the AfD in the upcoming European elections, has faced additional scrutiny after one of his employees was arrested for suspected espionage on behalf of China. Criticisms from within the party suggest that Krah has a history of pro-Chinese statements and activities.
The controversy surrounding Krah’s book extends beyond the image rights issue, as he faces allegations regarding his connections to foreign entities. Krah’s book, published by the far-right Antaios Verlag owned by Götz Kubitschek, has drawn attention due to the use of unauthorized images of the Maulbronn Monastery. The state has emphasized that the monastery has historically been a place of open exchange, which is incompatible with the themes presented in Krah’s book. Authorities will closely monitor the situation to ensure that the book is no longer being sold, and are prepared to take legal action if necessary to enforce the court’s ruling on the use of images without permission.
The legal battle over the publication of Maximilian Krah’s book highlights the complex web of controversies that the AfD leader is currently embroiled in. Reports of potential connections to pro-Russian and Chinese interests have raised concerns about Krah’s political affiliations and possible conflicts of interest. Along with Petr Bystron, who is also under scrutiny for similar reasons, Krah faces the challenge of defending his actions and maintaining his position within the party. The ongoing investigations and legal battles surrounding Krah’s book sales add to the pressure he faces as the AfD’s lead candidate in the upcoming European elections.
The case of Maximilian Krah’s book serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the AfD and its leadership as they navigate controversies and allegations of ties to foreign entities. The legal implications of using unauthorized images on the book’s cover underscore the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and adhering to legal standards in publishing. Krah’s position as a public figure and political candidate amplifies the scrutiny surrounding his actions, requiring transparency and accountability in his dealings. As the AfD prepares for the European elections, the spotlight on Krah and his colleagues intensifies, highlighting the need for ethical conduct and adherence to legal norms in the political arena. The outcome of the legal dispute over Krah’s book sales may have broader implications for the party and its reputation in the public eye.
