The second trial against the “Reichsbürger” group, who allegedly planned a coup, has begun in Frankfurt. Nine alleged leaders, including Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß, are facing charges. Investigative journalist Ulrich Kraetzer expects an interesting legal battle. The trial is taking place in a specially built lightweight hall in Frankfurt, with delays at the start due to technical issues. The defense requested audiovisual recordings of the proceedings, with more requests expected as the trial continues. The main charges include membership in a terrorist organization and preparation for high treason.
The Oberlandesgericht Frankfurt am Main has started the trial against the alleged heads of the Reichsbürger network. Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß, along with eight other defendants, is accused of rejecting the democratic order and planning a violent overthrow. The main defendant, Rüdiger von P., allegedly co-founded the group in July 2021 and led the military arm as a former Lieutenant Colonel and commander of a paratrooper battalion in the German army. Former AfD member Birgit Malsack-Winkemann is also among the accused, having used her access to the Bundestag to infiltrate members and scout properties.
Due to the large number of defendants, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and spectators, the trial is being held in a specially constructed lightweight hall in Frankfurt, instead of the usual courthouse. The alleged plot by the defendants was to reject the democratic order and orchestrate a violent coup, with Reuß intended as the provisional head of state. The former courtroom in the Justizzentrum is being renovated, prompting the use of the temporary hall. The future of the hall after the lengthy trial is uncertain.
The network around Prince Reuß was uncovered in December 2022, leading to a total of 26 defendants involved in the case. The first trial with nine defendants began in Stuttgart in late April, while another trial against eight more members is scheduled to start in Munich on June 18th. The defendants are facing serious charges related to terrorism and treason, with the proceedings expected to be complex and lengthy. The use of a temporary hall for the trial showcases the scale and significance of the case, attracting public attention and highlighting the threat posed by extremist groups.
