Nine people are facing terrorism charges in Germany related to an alleged far-right plot to overthrow the government. The trial for these individuals, who are part of the Reich Citizens group, began in Stuttgart and focuses on those who were part of the group’s military arm. Federal prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against a total of 27 people, one of whom has since died. This purported conspiracy came to light in late 2022, and the trial is the first of three linked cases.
Another prominent trial of nine suspects, including a self-styled prince and a former far-right lawmaker, will begin on May 21 in Frankfurt. The group allegedly planned to install Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss as Germany’s provisional leader. The case also includes Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a judge and former lawmaker with the far-right Alternative for Germany party, as well as a retired paratrooper. The three cases are expected to last well into 2025, with the proceedings shedding light on the strength of the rule of law in Germany.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted the importance of the trial, stating that it demonstrates the strength of the rule of law in holding the largest terrorist network of Reich Citizens accountable for their plans to overthrow the government. Prosecutors have stated that the accused individuals subscribed to various conspiracy theories, including those related to Reich Citizens and QAnon ideology. The Reich Citizens movement rejects Germany’s postwar constitution and seeks to bring down the government, while QAnon is a global conspiracy theory originating in the United States.
The group allegedly planned to storm the parliament building in Berlin and arrest lawmakers, with the intention to negotiate a post-coup order primarily with Russia. The defendants in the Stuttgart trial are facing charges of membership in a terrorist organization and the preparation of a high treasonous enterprise. One defendant is also on trial for attempted murder. In the Frankfurt trial, most of the defendants are charged with membership in a terrorist organization and the preparation of a high treasonous undertaking. Eight other alleged members are facing charges in a separate indictment in Munich.
The trial has brought attention to the beliefs and actions of the accused individuals, who were part of the Reich Citizens movement and were motivated by extreme ideologies. The case has raised concerns about the presence of far-right extremism in Germany and the potential threat it poses to national security. The proceedings in the three linked cases will provide further insight into the nature of these conspiracies and the actions taken by the defendants to undermine the government.
As the trial progresses, more details are expected to emerge about the alleged far-right plot and the extent of the defendants’ involvement in planning to overthrow the government. The outcome of the trial will have implications for the future of far-right extremism in Germany and the measures that may be needed to address and prevent similar threats in the future. The prosecutors will be presenting evidence to support their charges against the accused, and the court proceedings are likely to uncover more information about the motivations and intentions of the defendants in connection with the purported conspiracy.
