Right-wing extremist
The city of Potsdam enforces a nationwide entry ban for Martin Sellner
Martin Sellner is considered the head of the right-wing extremist Identitarian movement
© Alex Halada / Imago Images
The Austrian right-wing extremist Martin Sellner is no longer allowed to enter Germany. From now on he can be deported if he is found in the Federal Republic.
A nationwide entry ban has been issued against the former head of the right-wing extremist Identitarian movement in Austria, Martin Sellner. The Brandenburg state capital Potsdam confirmed on Tuesday that it had obtained this decision against an EU citizen. According to dpa information, it is Sellner. The “Süddeutsche Zeitung” had previously reported. However, Sellner can appeal the decision.
The background is a lecture by Sellner at a meeting of radical right-wingers in a Potsdam villa in November. Sellner said he spoke there about so-called remigration. What he means by this is that people with foreign roots have to leave the country en masse, including people with a German passport.
Martin Sellner can appeal against enforcement
A spokeswoman for the city of Potsdam emphasized that “we cannot comment on personal procedures. However, we can confirm that the state capital of Potsdam has issued a decision on the implementation of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU (FreizügG/EU) to determine the loss of the right to freedom of movement in the Federal Republic of Germany sent to an EU citizen.”
The decision can be enforced immediately – so the entry ban generally applies immediately. If the person concerned is currently in Germany, he or she would have to leave within one month. However, he could appeal against the decision regarding the loss of the right to freedom of movement and also against the immediate enforcement.
Entry despite a ban is punishable
Potsdam’s mayor Mike Schubert said of the proceedings: “We have to show that the state is not powerless and uses its legitimate means. The demonstrations and rallies were an important signal. We are making it clear that democracy is defensible. In order to protect fundamental rights and the constitution , the institutions must use their resources.”
In principle, state authorities are responsible for refusing entry, in this case the local immigration authority. The federal police would have to enforce the nationwide entry ban, for example, as part of border controls. After entering Germany, a person who is banned from entering and staying could be deported. In addition, entry despite a ban is a criminal offense and can have criminal consequences.