European court rejects German far-right party's complaint

BERLIN (AP) - A European court has dismissed a German far-right party's claim that it has been stigmatized to the point that it faces a de facto ban.

The ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on Thursday comes as Germany's highest court considers a bid by state governments to ban the National Democratic Party. Officials accuse the group of promoting a racist and anti-Semitic agenda.

At the European court, the party cited members' dismissal from public service and its inability to open bank accounts as alleged rights violations it lacked the means to redress.

But the human rights court found sufficient remedies were available and the party's case was "manifestly ill-founded."

The party isn't represented in Germany's national Parliament and last month lost its remaining seats in a state legislature.