AfD Candidate Heinrich Koch Attacked with Knife in Mannheim
Heinrich Koch, a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was the target of a knife attack on Tuesday night in Mannheim. According to reports from his own party, Koch was stabbed after confronting people who were removing election signs from the street. The AP agency reports that the far-right politician allegedly rebuked these people, which triggered the knife attack. Although not many additional details are available at this time, it has been confirmed that Koch is not in mortal danger. From the AfD, it has been suggested that the attacker could have links to the extreme left.
Background to Other Attacks in Mannheim
This recent knife attack comes shortly after another incident in which a man attacked an event of another far-right party in Germany. On that occasion, the attacker pounced on Michael Stürzenberger, known for his speech as a self-proclaimed Islamophobe and member of Pax Europa (BPE). This attack also took place in Mannheim, leaving several people injured and a police officer dead from a stab wound to the neck. Although Stürzenberger’s attacker has been linked to the Islamic movement, he has not yet given a statement due to his hospitalization after being shot dead by police. In contrast, in the recent attack on Koch, although it has not officially commented, AfD suggests the possible involvement of the far left.
Message of Support and Reflection
The head of the AfD regional parliamentary group, Anton Baron, expressed his wish for a speedy recovery for Heinrich Koch, condemning the attack and pointing out the worrying trend of resorting to violence instead of reasonable arguments. This event highlights the deep division in society and the lack of tolerance towards freedom of expression. Koch’s recovery is desired in the midst of a political climate marked by the growing influence of the extreme right in Germany, despite the scandals that have surrounded this party. The resignation of the AfD candidate for the European elections after his controversial statements about the Nazi SS organization has generated tensions with other European political leaders.