The European Parliament revoked the immunity of Alternative for Germany (AfD) member Petr Bystron on Tuesday, allowing German prosecutors to investigate him for allegedly using symbols of unconstitutional organizations. The case stems from a July 2022 social media post in which Bystron shared a photo collage of politicians raising their arms, resembling a Nazi salute, with the caption “Bye, bye […]! German politicians wave goodbye!” The post referenced the departure of Ukraine’s then-ambassador to Germany, Andriy Melnyk.

Bystron is also under investigation for suspected bribery linked to payments from the Russian-backed Voice of Europe, but that case remains on hold pending a separate immunity waiver request. Munich prosecutors confirmed they will decide on reopening the probe once the European Parliament rules on the matter, possibly during the next Legal Affairs Committee session on 9 April.

Bystron’s case adds to growing scrutiny of AfD, which faces increasing legal and political challenges over alleged extremist ties.