UN Criticizes AfD's Far-Right Campaign in Germany

germany - UN spokesperson criticizes AfD's election campaign tactics involving one-way plane tickets for immigrants and refugees.

UN Criticizes AfD's Far-Right Campaign in Germany

UN spokesperson Liz Throssell has expressed strong criticism towards the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's campaign tactics, which included distributing flyers resembling one-way plane tickets to immigrants' homes. Throssell emphasized the importance of countries taking a firm stand against xenophobia, discrimination, and racism, particularly towards refugees and migrants forced to leave their homes due to circumstances beyond their control.

Throssell highlighted the detrimental effects of narratives that aim to exclude, scapegoat, discriminate against, or dehumanize migrants and refugees, stating that such narratives directly undermine their ability to fully exercise their rights. She underscored the critical importance of political leaders avoiding rhetoric that incites hatred, violence, or discrimination, and instead promoting an election environment free from discrimination, including racial discrimination and xenophobia.

Throssell called on all politicians and actors to refrain from portraying migrants and refugees as scapegoats in an attempt to divert attention from real issues or gain political support. She also warned against using inflammatory, divisive, and dehumanizing language that incites hatred, violence, or discrimination.

AfD's Campaign Faces Backlash

Social Democratic Party (SPD) Mayor Frank Mentrup criticized AfD's election campaign harshly, stating that the campaign crossed a line and endangered social cohesion. Mentrup warned that the campaign could trigger fear, which should not be part of an election campaign.

Several users on social media also expressed their disapproval of AfD's campaign, with some users calling for the ban of the flyers, stating that AfD had crossed a line and posed a danger to democracy.

Investigation Launched

The Karlsruhe police confirmed that a criminal investigation has been initiated on suspicion of incitement to hatred concerning the distribution of flyers. The flyers, distributed to approximately 30,000 people in Karlsruhe, contained slogans such as 'Only repatriation can save Germany' and 'Home is beautiful,' raising concerns of intentional targeting of immigrants.