DistantNews
Support us
German Court Issues Arrest Warrant for AfD Politician Maximilian Krah

German Court Issues Arrest Warrant for AfD Politician Maximilian Krah

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A Chemnitz court has issued an arrest warrant for AfD politician Maximilian Krah.
  • The warrant stems from a legal dispute with satirist Jan Böhmermann.
  • Krah has reportedly failed to pay legal costs associated with the case.

A Chemnitz court has issued an arrest warrant for Maximilian Krah, a member of the German Bundestag representing the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The warrant is connected to an ongoing legal dispute between Krah and the satirist Jan Böhmermann.

Germany is a state governed by the rule of law, and it cannot be that a member of the Bundestag and a full lawyer evades his legal obligations.

— Sebastian GorskiBöhmermann's lawyer commenting on the arrest warrant issued for Maximilian Krah.

The legal battle originated when Böhmermann read out a message on his podcast alleging that Krah had ordered 200 bottles of champagne at Oktoberfest in 2024. Krah had sued Böhmermann, arguing that such a claim could negatively impact his personal rights, potentially portraying him as ostentatious and attention-seeking. However, Krah reportedly lost the case, especially after Böhmermann amended his statement to suggest the number was closer to 50 bottles.

According to reports, Krah has not paid the legal costs awarded in the case. Böhmermann's lawyer, Sebastian Gorski, confirmed that approximately 5,000 euros were initially sought through enforcement proceedings, with an additional 296.26 euros still outstanding. A court bailiff reportedly scheduled an appointment for Krah to declare his assets in mid-July, but Krah did not appear.

he is surprised that demands are constantly being added

— Maximilian KrahKrah's response to the ongoing financial demands related to the legal dispute.

Böhmermann's lawyer emphasized that Germany is a state governed by the rule of law and that a member of parliament, particularly one with a legal background, should not evade legal obligations. Krah, when contacted, expressed surprise at the ongoing demands, stating his lawyer would review them. He also described Böhmermann as a "repugnant" individual, indicating his reluctance to pay.

he is a repugnant, so he pays only reluctantly.

— Maximilian KrahKrah's description of Jan Böhmermann, explaining his reluctance to pay legal costs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.