Germany’s domestic intelligence agency can continue monitoring the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a suspected case of extremism, following a court ruling.

The AfD challenged the agency’s decision to classify it, along with its youth organization and a dissolved radical group within it, as suspected extremists.

The court in Muenster upheld a previous ruling, citing enough evidence of anti-constitutional activity to justify enhanced monitoring.

This designation allows authorities to employ measures like phone tapping and informant use.

While the AfD’s appeal was denied, they plan to challenge this decision in the Federal Administrative Court.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the ruling as a defense of Germany’s democracy, Bloomberg has reported.

The AfD, despite being the second-largest political force in Germany, has faced declining support amid controversies.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser affirmed the legality of monitoring the AfD, emphasizing the need to combat extremism and protect democracy.

Written by B.C. Begley