German prosecutors have brought charges against 27 individuals suspected of affiliation with the fringe Reichsbürger movement, accusing them of plotting a violent coup of Germany’s democratic institutions.
The group vehemently opposed state structures and the established democratic order, as stated in the indictment.
Primarily associated with Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a key figure within the Reichsbürger movement, the accused individuals are charged with planning to overthrow Germany’s democratic system.
The indictment revealed concrete steps taken towards initiating a coup, which was slated to begin in the summer of 2021.
The alleged strategy involved storming the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, with a small armed group following a signal, such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Plans for establishing a new state structure were in place, with Prince Reuss slated as the head of state. Efforts were made to secure support for the coup from the Russian government.
According to prosecutors, Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, formerly associated with the far-right Alternative for Germany party and a former Bundestag member, was designated as the justice minister in this envisioned new state.
She allegedly facilitated access to parliamentary buildings for other conspirators.
The group reportedly attempted to recruit military and law enforcement personnel, compiled lists of adversaries, and acknowledged that their actions would lead to casualties, as outlined in the charges.
The accused individuals were reportedly bound by a confidentiality agreement, with violators facing execution for treason.
Authorities seized approximately 380 firearms and 148,000 rounds of ammunition linked to the suspects.
Several of the accused were apprehended during federal police operations in December.
The Reichsbürger movement, according to Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, comprises around 23,000 adherents across the country.
Source-BBC
