The German parliament, the Bundestag, has lifted the immunity of the AfD member of parliament Hannes Gnauck. This decision comes after a similar move against fellow AfD member Petr Bystron. The parliament voted on Thursday evening in favor of a recommendation from the Immunity Committee to revoke Gnauck’s immunity, despite opposition from the AfD. The reason cited for lifting Gnauck’s immunity is reportedly a disciplinary procedure related to his time as a former soldier. Gnauck also serves as the chairman of the AfD’s youth wing, the Young Alternative.
Gnauck offered to waive his immunity and address any accusations made against him in a letter to Bundestag President Bärbel Bas several weeks ago, according to a statement from the AfD Brandenburg. However, his immunity was lifted just before the EU elections, allowing for investigations into a case that has been inactive for three years due to his position as a member of parliament. Gnauck expressed skepticism about the timing of the decision, especially since his military service has been suspended, questioning the justification for lifting his immunity. Despite being classified by the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) as an “extremist,” Gnauck maintains his innocence and asserts that the allegations against him are unfounded.
Gnauck, who became the leader of the AfD’s youth organization in 2022, has been involved in controversial activities. The Young Alternative has been classified as definitively right-wing extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Likewise, the MAD has advised Gnauck to leave the organization due to its status as a suspected case being monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Gnauck won a seat in the Bundestag through the state list in the 2021 federal elections and represents the AfD in the parliamentary Defense Committee. The Defense Committee is responsible for overseeing the Ministry of Defense and the Bundeswehr, including confidential meetings. He also serves as the head of the AfD county council faction in the Uckermark district.
In addition to Gnauck’s case, the investigation into Petr Bystron, another AfD member, for alleged corruption and money laundering prompted a similar decision to lift his immunity. Bystron’s parliament office was also searched as a part of the investigation. These actions against AfD members have drawn attention and raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the party members serving in the Bundestag. The revocation of Gnauck’s immunity highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by members of the AfD, as allegations of misconduct continue to surface within the party. The decision to lift immunity allows for further investigation into the accusations against Gnauck, signaling a potential shift in the legal landscape for AfD members in the Bundestag.
