Suraj Mailitafi Steps Down as Spokesperson of Anti-AfD Group Widersetzen
Suraj Mailitafi announced his resignation as spokesperson for the left-extremist anti-AfD coalition Widersetzen, citing the July journalist attacks in Erfurt.
On Tuesday Suraj Mailitafi used Instagram to announce his departure from the spokesperson position of the left-extremist anti-AfD movement Widersetzen, effective that day. In his statement he repudiated the July attacks on journalists from Junge Freiheit and Apollo News that occurred on the fringes of the AfD federal party conference in Erfurt, admitting he had not taken a clear stance at the time. Mailitafi emphasized that his activism remains rooted in defending fundamental rights and democratic values while opposing structural racism and right-wing extremism, and he stressed that violence against media workers is never justified.
He refused a request for an interview with Junge Freiheit and reiterated his intention to focus solely on anti-racist work and exposing police racism. The protests had resulted in 94 offenses recorded by police, none leading to arrests, and the coalition’s supporting association VVN-BdA is now under review by the Berlin tax authority for its nonprofit status, which could affect donor tax deductions.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights internal tensions over protest violence and may affect funding for anti-AfD activism.
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