Heino sues for 30,000 euros in damages after AfD election advertising

Werner described the lawsuit as a "ganz klares Zeichen gegen unerlaubte Wahlwerbung mit bekannten Gesichtern". The aim is not only financial compensation, but also a deterrent effect for future cases. Heino wants to make it clear that his name and his likeness may not be used for political purposes without permission.

The district administrator election in the Uckermark had taken place in April. The AfD posts on social networks had used Heino's image and a short text intended to give the impression that the singer supported the candidate Teichner. Heino's management had already contradicted this at the time and announced legal steps. With the lawsuit now filed, this step is being taken concretely.

The Innsbruck Regional Court has jurisdiction because Heino lives in Austria and his general place of jurisdiction there can be invoked for lawsuits against him. Heino's trademark rights are also dealt with under Austrian and European law. The hearing on the amount of damages has not yet taken place; no specific date has been announced.

Reactions and possible consequences

In Austrian and German media coverage, the lawsuit is seen as part of a broader debate about the use of celebrity images in election campaigns. In several federal states, parties have attracted attention with similar methods in recent years. Celebrities affected have repeatedly emphasised that they had not agreed to being politically co-opted.

Heino, whose real name is Heinz Georg Kern, is one of the best-known German folk musicians. His career spans several decades, and most recently he has appeared on tours and on television. That it was precisely a musician with a traditional repertoire who became the target of a political campaign triggered mockery and outrage on social media.

In legal terms, there are two claims: the violation of the general right of personality and the violation of trademark rights, as Heino's name and presumably also his likeness are protected as a figurative mark. Both areas are recognised in German and Austrian law; in the event of a violation, a court can award both an injunction and damages.

Should the court uphold the lawsuit, this could, according to observers, have a signalling effect. Parties would then have to be more careful to ensure that the persons depicted have actually consented to the use. The AfD itself has so far not publicly commented on the specific post and the lawsuit.

Until a decision is made, the lawsuit remains an ongoing proceeding. Heino's management announced that further steps would only be discussed after a ruling. But it is clear that Heino does not intend to let the matter rest, Werner said. According to his own account, Heino wants the proceedings to set an example against unauthorised election advertising.