Hitler salute shown?

Singer Müller appeals against verdict

Melanie Müller in 2021(Bild: APA/dpa/Roberto Pfeil)

The German pop singer Melanie Müller does not accept her conviction for showing the Hitler salute. The 36-year-old's defense lawyer has lodged an appeal against the verdict. The hand gesture was merely an "inciting gesture" for the audience.

The court had ruled at the end of August that Müller had shown the Hitler salute several times at a concert in September 2022. During a search of the singer's apartment, investigators also discovered 0.69 grams of a cocaine mixture and an ecstasy tablet.

Sentenced to a fine of 80,000 euros
The judge at the district court ultimately imposed a significantly higher sentence than requested by the public prosecutor, who had requested 95 daily rates of 60 euros each, i.e. 5700 euros. Müller is to pay a total of 80,000 euros. The defense had pleaded for acquittal on both charges.

Hand gesture "inciting gesture"
 Müller had rejected the accusations made by her defense lawyer during the trial. Her lawyer, Adrian Stahl, explained that the hand gesture was an inciting gesture for the audience.

The Müller case

A week ago, the court sentenced the former RTL jungle queen to a total fine of 160 daily rates of 500 euros each, i.e. a total of 80,000 euros, for using signs of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations and for drug possession.

She had already made the arm movement at many concerts to the battle cry: "Zicke Zacke, Zicke Zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi". Furthermore, his client had no right-wing views and was apolitical.

Melanie Müller in the year 2021(Bild: APA/dpa/Roberto Pfeil)

The district court spokesperson in Leipzig confirmed that the defense has one month after the written verdict has been delivered to specify the appeal. In the event of an appeal, the higher regional court has jurisdiction.