German court backs intelligence agency’s designation of far-right party as suspected extremist case

BERLIN — Germany’s domestic intelligence agency was justified in putting the far-right Alternative for Germany under observation for suspected extremism, a court ruled Monday, rejecting an appeal from the opposition party. The court found that there was a sufficient legal basis for the designation, while stressing that the step doesn’t inevitably lead to the party being designated a proven case of right-wing extremism. Its platform initially centered on opposition to bailouts for struggling eurozone members, but its vehement opposition to then-Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to allow in large numbers of refugees and other migrants in 2015 established the party as a significant political force. In Monday’s ruling, the court found there was a valid suspicion that “recognizing only a legally devalued status for German citizens with a migration background corresponds with the political objectives at least of a significant part of AfD.” It didn’t elaborate on details but said there were indications of “discriminatory objectives.” It also pointed to widespread use in the party of derogatory terms toward refugees and Muslims and indications of anti-democratic aspirations, though it said the latter were not of the frequency and density surmised by the BfV.