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AfD imposes strict conditions on streamer 'Aktivist Mann' over journalist harassment
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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has imposed strict conditions on video streamer Matthäus Westfal, known as 'Aktivist Mann,' following controversial behavior during the state election campaign in Saxony-Anhalt. According to a unanimous resolution by the party's federal executive board, Westfal will only be granted access to party events if he provides a binding prior assurance that he will not harass journalists or other streamers. Failure to comply could result in expulsion from events. The party leadership, including Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, had already distanced themselves from the streamer's conduct at the AfD election party in Magdeburg, where he verbally attacked a Spiegel journalist. The resolution states that Westfal's business model involves exposing critically viewed journalists through harassing questions and vulgar behavior, which does not correspond to the party's aspired behavioral standards but is increasingly attributed to the AfD itself. Westfal, who describes himself as an 'AfD voter since day one,' has defended his actions, claiming broad support within the party and adherence to the liberal democratic basic order.
Source report
Influencer "Aktivist Mann" (left) in conversation with AfD politician Björn Höcke. Source: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa
The AfD is restricting the access of the streamer "Aktivist Mann" to party events. He must provide prior assurance that he will not harass journalists or other streamers.
The AfD has imposed conditions on a video streamer close to the party, who sparked controversy during the state election campaign in Saxony-Anhalt.
According to a resolution passed by the party's federal executive board at the beginning of the week, the YouTuber—whose real name is Matthäus Westfal and who operates under the name "Aktivist Mann"—should only be granted access to party events if he provides "binding prior assurance that he will not harass other streamers and journalists." If "Aktivist Mann" fails to comply with such an assurance, he faces expulsion from relevant events.
The party executive board's resolution was adopted unanimously. The justification stated that the streamer apparently pursued a business model aimed at exposing journalists viewed critically within the AfD environment "through harassing questions and vulgar behavior." This conduct does not correspond to "the behavioral standard our party aspires to," but is increasingly being attributed to the AfD itself.
Read also:
- Section: Germany — "Aktivist Mann" Streamer verbally attacks "Spiegel" journalist – AfD leadership distances itself
AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla had already distanced themselves from the YouTuber's appearance at the AfD election party in Magdeburg just over a week ago and announced consequences. "Insults and verbal intimidation are unacceptable for media professionals. This naturally applies, especially towards representatives of other media outlets," they stated.
"Aktivist Mann" describes himself in an X post as an "AfD voter since day one." During the AfD election campaign, he live-streamed many events, repeatedly targeting journalists present at those events.
Read also:
- Weltplus Article — "Aktivist Mann": The unsavory background of the AfD
Prior to the decision, he emphasized on Sunday that "an incredibly large number of people within the AfD are well-disposed towards him." He also stressed that he adheres to the "liberal democratic basic order." Addressing "negative chatterboxes on X," he wrote: "Keep tearing your mouths apart, you unmanly squabblers. In all 16 federal states, the German people stand behind me! What have you achieved for Germany in the last 14 years?"
On Monday, he again described the RND's reporting as a "fake news article." "On Sunday evening, Westfal wrote on X, addressing his critics within the party: 'What have you achieved for Germany in the last 14 years?'," he quoted from the article. That is not true.
doli with dpa
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AfD leadership distances from streamer 'Aktivist Mann' after journalist harassment