Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has lost a court appeal against its classification as a "suspected" far-right extremist organization.
The judges at the court in the west German city of Münster said the designation was appropriate and did not violate the constitution or European law.
The status makes it easier for the domestic intelligence agency BfV to investigate and surveil AfD members or recruit informants from within the organization.
"The court finds there is sufficient evidence that the AfD pursues goals that run against the human dignity of certain groups and against democracy," the judges said.
"There are grounds to suspect at least part of the party wants to accord second-rank status to German citizens with a migration background."
The AfD can still appeal the classification at another court.
The far-right party is topping opinion polls in several eastern states that are due to hold elections later this year. It is also polling nationally at around 20% amid high dissatisfaction with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ruling coalition.
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