Milo Rau's Theatrical Mock Trial 'Prozess gegen Deutschland' Explores AfD Ban at Thalia Theater

On February 15, 2026, the Thalia Theater in Hamburg concluded the theatrical event "Prozess gegen Deutschland," directed by Milo Rau. The mock trial examined the contentious issue of potentially banning the far-right party AfD, alongside questions about social media use for youth and the party's alleged glorification of violence. Spanning nearly 15 hours, the trial featured a blend of scripted and semi-scripted speeches, interrogations, and debates involving politicians, journalists, jurists, and cultural figures.

The jury comprised seven citizens tasked with deciding the verdict, which ultimately did not reach a majority in favor of an AfD ban but called for further investigation. Rau emphasized that the indictment was more broadly directed at Germany as a state rather than the AfD itself. Notably, several AfD politicians, including Hans-Thomas Tillschneider and Maximilian Krah, declined participation, sparking concerns about the comprehensiveness of extremist viewpoints. Philosopher Rainer Mühlhoff also withdrew to avoid legitimizing extremist positions.

The prosecution, led by jurist Gabriele Heinecke and extremism expert Andreas Speit, highlighted the irony of democratic resources bolstering adversaries of democracy, referencing Joseph Goebbels. Meanwhile, the defense argued against an emotional basis for banning the party, noting the absence of legal grounds. Critics described the event's format as a "catwalk of opinions," questioning its clarity and depth, with some viewing it more as an educational spectacle than a substantive political discourse.

The trial ignited significant online discussions, notably around a viral speech equating an AfD ban with the demise of democracy, underscoring the complexity of integrating far-right issues into public debate. Despite mixed reactions, the event marked a provocative intersection of theater and politics, reflecting ongoing tensions in Germany's democratic landscape.