The threat of violent acts employed by nonstate actors for political gain. - "Terrorist Group Linked to Prince Reuß Raided"
The peeling wallpaper and lowered shutters create an ominous atmosphere as masked and armed police officers stand guard in front of a potentially ancient gate. This scene occurred in the North Black Forest town of Althengstett on the 2nd of May. It is rumored that this was a raid against individuals believed to be supporting the alleged "Reichsbürger" organization led by the controversial Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß. Social media platforms are buzzing with stories of shots fired, deaths, and injuries; however, Althengstett's Mayor Rüdiger Klahm insists there is a lack of concrete information, leaving the locals worried. While rumors suggest that the Reichsbürger group possessed secret weapon caches, there are reports of a 73-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman becoming the focus of the investigation. Hürlimann, residents report seeing blue flashing lights and policemen preventing them from approaching their windows during the operation. To date, dozens have been arrested in connection to this case, with several trials already completed.
The indecipherable "Reichsbürger" ideology asserts that the German Reich (1871-1945) has not dissolved and rejects the legitimacy of the Federal Republic and its laws. This group supposedly led by Reuß was unsettled by St. Nicholas' Day 2022, as their plans for an uprising resulted in a massive police operation across several states and countries. The defense was accused of putting lives at risk.
The trial of the group's primary suspects is set to take place in Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, and Munich. In Frankfurt, authorities disclosed information about the defendant's professional and financial background. However, legal representatives constantly intervened during the hearing. In Stuttgart, the focus shifted to the group's plans to take over the government through military force. It was claimed that they had established a nationwide network of 286 militarily organized units, titled "Heimatschutzkompanien." The locals in the Calw district, specifically in Frauengarten and Steinhausen, were under the purview of "Heimatschutzkompanie Nr. 221."
At least 700 law enforcement officers, including the BKA, Bundespolizei, state police, Bundeskriminalamt, and KSK special forces, participated in the raids. The bomb disposal unit of the Saxony State Police was also enlisted. Amidst all these operations, heavy machinery was used, signifying the potential danger.
The General Prosecutor's Office in Dresden conducted two investigations against the Reichsbürger faction in the Erzgebirgskreis. Initially, there were no details available about these missions, taking place in Seiffen and Pockau-Lengefeld. The German authorities have not yet commented.
The story centers around a crackdown on an alleged terrorist organization in Germany, led by Prince Reuß and others. The group's intent was to create their own state structure through violent means. Additionally, it is reported that they had been organized into approximately 286 military units known as "Heimatschutzkompanien." Reuß was to lead this new state, with a former Berlin Judge and current AfD party member, Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, tasked with overseeing their justice system. And finally, a former German Special Forces Command (KSK) officer was also part of their ranks.
The trials of the main suspects are expected to take place at the Oberlandesgerichte in Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, and Munich, where the focus shifts. In Frankfurt, a BKA representative described Reuß's personal background, including his business ventures, wealth, and residences. The defense lawyers were frequently interrupting the proceedings.Meanwhile, in Stuttgart, the focus shifts to the group's plans to overthrow the government through armed force. They claimed to have formed a nationwide network of 286 militarily organized units titled "Heimatschutzkompanien." Law enforcement officers from the BKA, the Federal Police, various state police forces, the Federal Criminal Police Office, and the German Armed Forces Bomb Disposal Unit were also involved in the raid. They all worked to ensure a swift and progressive operation. The military aspect of the case was under scrutiny in court hearings, with decades of police operations taking place in just one day. The disturbance caused by these operations was also apparent, with the use of heavy equipment signaling its potential dangers.The residents of Seiffen and Pockau-Lengefeld in the Erzgebirgskreis have meanwhile been left in the dark about any possible police operations in their areas. Meanwhile, cases against Reichsbürger supporters are being handled by the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office. The nature of these operations still remains unknown.
