German court blocks AfD member from becoming lawyer

A long-time AfD employee was denied the right to become a lawyer after a court ruled against his attempt to enter the legal profession. The court cited his association with right-wing groups and writings that violated human dignity. The Administrative Court of Koblenz rejected John Hoewer's application to begin legal training, citing his past involvement with the AfD, the "Ein Prozent" association, and the "Junge Alternative." The court determined that Hoewer's views, expressed in various texts, were incompatible with the German constitution. The court's decision aligns with the principle of a "defensive democracy," which prevents those deemed disloyal to the constitution from entering public service. Hoewer's texts contained derogatory language and promoted ethnic separation, which the court found unacceptable.