Germany’s AfD expels Hamburg lawmaker Robert Risch over participation in far-right congress in St. Petersburg

AfD leaders in Hamburg said Risch’s actions violated party rules on foreign travel and contacts with lobbyists. Dirk Nockemann, head of the Hamburg AfD branch and parliamentary group, said Risch “deceived the party and showed no self-criticism.” “We will not allow ourselves to be deceived and will respond with appropriate severity,” Nockemann said.

However, the internal disciplinary process could take time, as Risch has the right to appeal within AfD’s arbitration bodies. A similar procedure was previously launched against Olga Petersen, who has publicly expressed support for Russian authorities.

The Insider reported in detail on the Sept. 12 far-right congress in St. Petersburg, which, under Malofeev’s patronage, brought together radical nationalists and neo-Nazis from 14 countries, from Hungary to Argentina.