German far-right leader loses immunity in tax evasion case

Alexander Gauland, Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) honorary chairman, lost his parliamentary immunity amid accusations of tax evasion.
The public prosecutor’s office confirmed that federal officials carried out raids on Gauland’s addresses. A spokesperson for the AfD told the media that the procedure was “merely an administrative formality” related to a mistake in Gauland’s tax return.
Last year, Gauland was accused of counts concerning his joint tax assessment with his ex-wife, as well as of incorrect accounting related to parliamentary allowances, of about €6,000 in total.
Gauland is among the highest-profile figures within the party’s ranks. He is also one of its founding members.