Threats Against Business Leader Following Controversial AfD Donation

Jena - Following a significant financial contribution to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party by a former supervisory board member of a local company, the firm's CEO has become the target of threatening messages. Authorities in Jena are currently investigating after a graffiti message containing a violent threat was discovered.

According to a spokesperson from the Jena State Police Inspection, the graffiti was found early in the morning on a wall in the Drackendorf district. The message included the initials of the company's CEO, Udo Böttcher, alongside derogatory terms and a call for violence. The police have filed reports for both property damage and threats against the individual's safety.

The controversy stems from a donation of nearly one million euros made by Horst Jan Winter, a former supervisory board member of Böttcher AG, to the AfD. Udo Böttcher disclosed that Winter had previously gifted him two million euros from his personal wealth, but he attempted to rescind the portion of this gift that was allocated to the AfD, citing a lack of gratitude from the party. Following this revelation, Winter was removed from his position on the board.

In light of the threatening graffiti, the police have increased patrols around the firm's premises. Alongside the threatening message, authorities reported that a political logo was also sprayed on the wall. Both the graffiti and the logo are scheduled to be removed shortly.

In the aftermath of the donation's public revelation, there have been numerous expressions of dissent from the local community towards the company. The police have noted these reactions and have engaged in discussions with Böttcher regarding the situation. Consequently, they have also expanded their patrol coverage to include both the company's office and the CEO's residence.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding political donations and their ramifications for individuals and businesses in the region, emphasizing the delicate balance between political expression and the potential for backlash.