"Reichsbürger" trial - Court reads out search protocol
In the process of the trial against the suspected "Reichsbürger" group around Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß, the Higher Regional Court Frankfurt read out a report on search measures. The presiding judge Jürgen Bonk made statements about searches in December 2022 at Schloss Waidmannsheil in Bad Lobenstein, Thuringia. According to his statements, several buildings were in a stripped and rough construction state. In the hunting lodge, the most evidence was reportedly secured - the rooms were "partly very full and somewhat tidied up", it was said.
Lawyers hinder the court with objections
According to the report, the officials found two llamas and a mufflon - a type of sheep - in a wildlife enclosure. In two garages, there were rowing boats and a mini-excavator. Additionally, on the property, there was a golden pyramid made of metal, in which two chairs, a field bed, and a tin barrel stood. The officials also found an "uncooked cartridge" there.
However, the court did not come to introducing further evidence. The lawyers of the nine accused men and women formulated several objections and complaints when photos of the search were viewed. Several lawyers criticized that the "inviolability of the dwelling" and personal rights of Reuß, as well as his partner Vitalia B. and co-defendants, were allegedly violated. The photos resembled a "Home Story from Schloss Waidmannsheil", said one lawyer.
The defendants in Frankfurt are charged with membership in or support of a terrorist organization. They are accused of planning a coup and also taking lives in risk. The presumption of innocence applies to them until the verdict.
- The Higher Regional Court Frankfurt, presided over by Judge Jürgen Bonk, is currently overseeing the trial against the "Reichsbürger" group led by Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß, based in Thuringia's Bad Lobenstein.
- During the trial, Judge Bonk addressed the search measures conducted in December 2022 at Schloss Waidmannsheil, mentioning issues with building conditions and the securing of evidence.
- The search report revealed that evidence was primarily found in the hunting lodge, while other buildings were in a relatively rough state of construction.
- Unusual finds included two llamas and a mufflon, as well as a mini-excavator and rowing boats stored in two garages.
- The property also contained a metallic golden pyramid, which held two chairs, a field bed, and a tin barrel.
- The search team also discovered an "uncooked cartridge" within the premises, leading to further investigation.
- The trial in Frankfurt am Main is significant as the defendants face charges of membership in or support of a terrorist organization and are accused of planning a coup and taking lives in the process.
- It is crucial to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence until the verdict is reached for all the indicted individuals, hailing from various parts of Germany, including Hesse and Thuringia.
