Far-right group tried for alleged plot – World

Eight individuals suspected of being associated with the far-right Reichsburger movement in Germany are to be tried for allegedly planning a violent uprising against the government, part of a series of similar cases taking place across the country.

The accused, including a doctor, a renowned chef and an astrologer, are said to have played a key role as instigators of the conspiracy.

Prosecutors say they intended to form a new government if the group's plan to seize Parliament and overthrow the existing government had been successful.

The defendants are charged with membership in a terrorist group and conspiracy to commit an act of treason.

According to prosecutors, the group had made detailed arrangements to kidnap German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and present him on television in order to attract support for their movement.

The defendants deny the accusations against them.

The Munich trial is taking place amid tight security measures as Germany grapples with concerns over the growing influence of the far right, particularly following its recent European election victories , reported The Guardian newspaper.

At the heart of the alleged conspiracy is Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a self-proclaimed aristocrat and real estate agent whom the group planned to appoint as temporary leader. He is currently on trial in Frankfurt along with others considered key figures in the operation.

Defense attorneys reject characterizing the defendants as terrorists, saying instead they were individuals united by their shared beliefs as conspiracy theorists who opposed restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prince Reuss' legal representatives have said he denies any allegations of violence or involvement in plots to harm others.

The alleged plot was revealed through counterterrorism operations carried out in 11 German states and abroad in December 2022 following a secret police investigation.

Held in a highly guarded Munich court, the trial of the group's so-called esoteric faction, along with two others in Stuttgart, called the military branch, and Frankfurt am Main, allegedly the main organizers, is expected continue until January. but can, according to prosecutors, extend over several years.

“We have around 900 information files and every day more and more pages are added,” said Laurent Lafleur, spokesperson for the court.

The investigation continues in parallel with the ongoing trials, with each accused being represented by two defense lawyers, explained Mr. Lafleur.

With the group's cases spread across three different locations, judges, prosecutors and lawyers in all trials involving a total of 26 defendants are reportedly involved in a frenzied exchange of information. Defendants in each trial are likely to appear in the other trials to provide testimony, which constitutes a significant organizational challenge.

“It’s a huge logistical effort,” Lafleur said. He added that the court was prepared for any potential disruption, “whether from the Reichsbürger or from Querdenker, who may attend the trial”, referring to the Querdenker movement known for opposing COVID-19 measures .

An estimated 23,000 people are aligned with the Reichsburger movement in Germany, around 10% of whom are considered willing to resort to violence, and around 1,000 of this group are associated with the far-right sphere.

The Reichsburger Group is a group of conspiracy theorists who deny the legitimacy of the German Federal Republic established after World War II. Emerging in the 1980s, this movement includes organized factions and individuals across Germany with varying levels of opposition to government institutions.