The German Bundestag has lifted the immunity of AfD politician Stephan Brandner, allowing a criminal investigation to proceed against him.

This decision was supported by a majority of the other parliamentary factions, while the AfD faction abstained.

The case involves a legal dispute with a journalist over a statement Brandner made, which he claims was an exercise of his "right to freedom of expression.

" Previously, a Berlin court had imposed a significant fine on Brandner related to this matter.

In Germany, parliamentary immunity must be lifted before a member can be held accountable for criminal actions.

Brandner has a history of controversial remarks, having received numerous reprimands during his time in the Thuringian state parliament.