Extremism - Disruption in the trial for arming against corona measures
The process of founding an armed group against Corona-measures started at the Koblenz Regional Court on Tuesday, despite a delay caused by a defendant. Three men, aged 39, 63, and 57, are accused of forming a group named "Paladin" and manufacturing weapon parts and ammunition using 3D printing. They are also alleged to have participated in paramilitary training.
At the beginning of the trial, a 39-year-old defendant spoke loudly for approximately ten minutes before the indictment was read at the Koblenz Regional Court on Tuesday. In his monologue, he protested against the proceedings and made conspiracy statements. The defendant had to be carried into the courtroom by four court officers beforehand, where he sat with handcuffs.
After consultation, the man was removed from the courtroom and excluded from the rest of the trial, as the judge stated. "There are things I still haven't dealt with," the judge said beforehand. Previously, the judge had repeatedly warned and urged the defendant to cease his disruptive outbursts. The already delayed trial was then adjourned for consultation, and the judge subsequently announced the decision.
Besides the 39-year-old, two men aged 63 and 57 are also on trial at the Koblenz Regional Court. The 39-year-old is said to have published critical comments about the Corona pandemic on Facebook at the beginning of the pandemic. He also posted a call to resist and arm on an internet platform. He considered himself justified in resisting, according to the indictment.
The group's goal was to acquire the ability for armed self-defense against unwanted visitors and the police. Regular meetings took place for this purpose, during which practical and theoretical weapon knowledge was imparted. The group also manufactured weapon parts using a 3D printer, ordered a camouflage uniform and bulletproof shoes, and attempted to produce ammunition.
Further hearings are scheduled in the process until November. On Friday, it is planned to begin with statements from the defendants. The defendant excluded from the trial on Tuesday will reportedly be given the opportunity to participate in the proceedings again, according to the judge.
- In spite of a delay caused by a defendant, the trial for the formation of extremist group "Paladin" in Rhineland-Palatinate began at the Koblenz Regional Court, with three men accused of manufacturing weapon parts and ammunition using 3D printing.
- The malfunction occurred when a 39-year-old defendant began a lengthy protest against the proceedings and made conspiracy statements, leading him to be carried into the courtroom by court officers and eventually removed from the trial.
- The remaining two defendants, aged 63 and 57, were present during the trial with the allegation that they formed a group to acquire the ability for armed self-defense against visitors and the police.
- The Koblenz Regional Court trial accused this group of participating in paramilitary training, producing 3D-printed weapon parts, ordering camouflage uniforms and bulletproof shoes, and attempting to create ammunition.
- The defendant excluded from the initial trial is reportedly reserved a chance to participate in the proceedings again, as scheduled hearings continue until November, beginning with statements from the defendants on Friday.
- The 39-year-old defendant, who posted critical comments about the Corona pandemic and called to resist and arm on an internet platform, is also on trial, considering himself justified in resisting according to the indictment.
