Fact check: Is Alternative for Germany a terrorist group?

1. Summary of the results

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is not classified as a terrorist group, but rather as a "suspected right-wing extremist organisation" by Germany's Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) since 2021 ^[1]. This classification has been upheld by courts, which found "sufficient evidence of anti-constitutional tendencies" within the party ^[1]. The party can legally be kept under surveillance by intelligence services due to evidence that it "pursues goals that run against the human dignity of certain groups and against democracy" ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The AfD's evolution is significant: it began as an economic and Europe-critical party but transformed into a gathering place for extremely conservative and right-wing groups ^[3]. The party has become a significant political force in Germany, with its eastern state branches being designated as "proven right-wing extremist" groups ^[4].

Important political context includes:

• A "firewall" exists against the AfD, with other parties refusing to work with them at state or national government levels ^[5]
• The party frequently promotes rhetoric about "globalists" and conspiracy theories ^[6]
• The Pew Research Center has documented the party's support levels, voter demographics, and political positions as a legitimate political entity ^[7]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself presents a false dichotomy by suggesting the AfD might be a terrorist group. This oversimplifies a complex situation where:

• Legal authorities have classified the party as extremist but not terrorist ^[1]
• The party maintains legitimate political status despite concerns about extremism ^[4]
• Opposition to the AfD is primarily political and institutional rather than security-based ^[5]

Those who benefit from characterizing the AfD as a terrorist group might include:

• Political opponents seeking to delegitimize the party
• Those who want to justify more extreme measures against the party beyond the current surveillance and political isolation

Those who benefit from minimizing the extremism classifications include:

• The AfD itself and its supporters
• Political actors seeking to normalize cooperation with the party