(FILES) This file photo taken on April 26, 2014 shows an activist of the far-right NPD party holding a sign reading " Example Switzerland - Stop mass immigration" (Vorbild Schweiz - Masseneinwanderung Stoppen) during a demonstration of the far-right NPD party in Berlin. Germany's highest court will on January 17, 2017 announce its ruling on whether to ban the far-right NPD party -- an explosive issue as Germany faces an election year roiled by an anti-immigration backlash. / AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN