The trial against alleged Reichsbürger members, involving the group around Prince Heinrich XIII. Reuß, has begun in Stuttgart. The focus is on the military arm of the anti-state organization. The ideology of the Reichsbürger movement is considered to be democracy-undermining by criminal psychologist Jan-Gerrit Keil. The indictment includes bizarre conspiracy theories and this trial is the first of three complex legal proceedings.
The accused men, who are associated with the group around Prince Reuß, appear confident and unphased as they sit in the courtroom behind thick glass. The charges include terrorism, high treason, and involvement in the Reichsbürger scene, as well as conspiracy myths and attempted murder. The suspects are accused of planning a violent overthrow of the German government, with the military arm of the group intending to seize power by force. The trial is historic and significant in its scope.
Nine men, not including Reuß himself, are being tried in a heavily secured courtroom in Stammheim, where the RAF leadership was previously on trial. The accused face charges of membership in a terrorist organization and preparation of treasonous activities. One of the defendants is also facing attempted murder charges for shooting at police officers during a raid on his home. Two of the accused have expressed their intention to respond to the allegations, while others have chosen to remain silent for now.
The group around Prince Heinrich XIII. Reuß came to light following a large-scale anti-terrorism raid in several states shortly after December 6, 2022. Reuß was set to be the head of a new state, with former AfD member and ex-judge Birgit Malsack-Winkemann designated for the Justice Ministry. Former soldiers are also among the accused. According to the indictment, a nationwide system of over 280 military Homeland Security companies had begun to be set up, with some units already operational.
The accused individuals, all linked to the Reichsbürger movement, believed in conspiracies involving a secret sect of pedophilic elites ruling Germany, opposed by an imaginary alliance of governments, intelligence services, and militaries. The group hoped for Germany’s liberation from this control. The trial involving Prince Reuß is split into three separate proceedings for logistical reasons and due to the number of suspects. Defense attorneys have raised concerns about the separation of the trials, arguing for a consolidation to ensure fairness and a comprehensive investigation.
During the trial’s opening, several defense lawyers challenged the split trials and requested a consolidation for a fair defense. They argued that sharing information and strategies between the three trials would be difficult and unfair to the defense. The presiding judge rejected the request to suspend the proceedings and postpone the consolidation of the three trials, stating that the demand for the trials to be merged will be considered at a later time.
