Defense attorneys refute Prince Reuß's association with the "Reichsbürger" group.
Some individuals are believed to have plotted the violent overthrow of Germany: In the second trial of a group known as "Reich Citizens," authorities are pursuing the alleged ringleaders, including Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß. During a break in the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court proceedings, defense lawyers for Reuß denied the accusations against their client. "He is not a leader, not a ringleader, and he is not a member of a terrorist organization," stated lawyer Roman von Alvensleben.
The trial, focused on planning a violent takeover, started with clarifying formal matters before moving on to the indictment in the afternoon. The federal prosecution views 72-year-old Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß as a leading figure in a group allegedly planning a coup in Germany. The nine defendants, including former military personnel and a former AfD member of the German parliament, are accused of being members or supporters of a terrorist group. They are considered innocent until a verdict is rendered.
The trial in Frankfurt faced delays as the defense sought to make multiple motions. The proceedings started an hour and a quarter late.
The accused group was reportedly planning an armed coup on "Day X" scheduled for August 2021. The plan involved taking over the Reichstag building in Berlin, arresting members of the German parliament, and thus overthrowing the current system. The plans were said to have resulted in fatalities. Over half a million euros and a large arsenal of weapons were allegedly available for the plans. The "Reich Citizens" in Germany believe the German Reich (1871-1945) still exists and do not recognize the Federal Republic of Germany and its laws.
Alleged leaders, Reuß and Rüdiger von Pescatore, who supposedly led the military arm of the group, are on trial in Frankfurt. The group reportedly outlined structures for a separate state order, with Reuß overseeing the executive power. The former Berlin judge and former AfD member of the German parliament, Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, who is also a defendant, was expected to head the justice department.
The charges include preparation for a highly treasonous act, such as recruiting military personnel. According to the federal prosecutor, the defendants shared a deep rejection of government institutions and the free democratic order. "They followed a conglomerate of conspiracy myths."
Instead of the initial ten defendants, nine suspected "Reichsbürger" will face the judges in Frankfurt. Norbert G. passed away in a clinic in March, a court spokesperson confirmed. The defendants could face up to ten years in prison for one charge. In the event of multiple convictions, they may face a maximum of 15 years in prison.
This trial is the second of three massive trials against the "Reich Citizens" group, with the first trial in Stuttgart beginning at the end of April. The remaining members of the group will be tried in Munich starting June 18th. The alleged conspirators were discovered during a large-scale anti-terror operation in December 2022. Defense attorney Roman von Alvensleben criticized the divided structure of the trials before they began in Frankfurt, saying, "I don't think it's in keeping with the rule of law to contest and try three cases in different federal states at different courts with the same accusation. What kind of results is that supposed to bring?"
Extraordinarily high security measures have been implemented for the trial in Frankfurt. A 1,300 square meter lightweight metal hall has been erected on the outskirts of the city. In addition to the nine defendants, five judges, two supplementary judges, and 25 defense lawyers will attend the trial. About 260 witnesses are expected to be called. The court states that the documents related to the trial fill 801 standing files. The first defendants were brought to the court hall in Sossenheim around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday under heavy security.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser addressed the beginning of the trial, stating, "It's great that the presumed leaders of the largest 'Reich citizens' terrorist group thus far will be brought to court starting today. With criminal trials taking place simultaneously at three higher regional courts, this case takes on a new level." She emphasized that these individuals are not harmless oddballs but rather dangerous terror suspects. "We will persist in our strict strategy until we've comprehensively uncovered and dismantled the militant 'Reichsbürger' organizations. No one in this extreme scene should feel secure."
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- The alleged plotters of the "Reich Citizens" group, including Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß, were accused of planning to carry out their actions in Frankfurt am Main.
- Some right-wing extremists in Germany, including members of the "Reichsbürger" movement, subscribe to conspiracy theories and do not acknowledge the Federal Republic of Germany or its laws.
- The international community has been following the developments in the trial closely, given the potential implications of right-wing extremism and terrorism on a global scale.
Source: www.ntv.de
