Malevolent acts intended to create fear or terror among civilians - Police raid uncovers suspected "Reichsbürger" group associated with Prince Reuß.
In a fresh crackdown, officials have raided several properties linked to followers of the radical "Reichsbürger" ideologue, Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß. The Federal Prosecutor's Office launched this operation early Tuesday, searching seven locations and three plots in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. A spokeswoman from the authorities in Karlsruhe confirmed the details, adding that the focus was on two individuals from Baden-Württemberg who are accused of supporting a domestic terrorist organization.
Investigators have been recorded discussing undiscovered weapons caches in phone calls, according to earlier reports in the "Spiegel" magazine. The two identified suspects, a 73-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman, are believed to have provided living spaces and property for the "Reichsbürger" group's activities around the turn of the year 2021/2022. The woman is also alleged to have handed over a car to one of the group's accused members, Rudiger v.P., in autumn 2021.
The "Reichsbürger" movement in Germany contends that the German Reich (1871-1945) is still in existence and actively defies the federal republic and its laws. So far, authorities have carried out numerous arrests and three public trials, revealing plans to overthrow the political system in the country. The group was willing to accept casualties, and had developed a framework for their own state. Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß was expected to serve as the head of state in this setup. Other notable individuals were believed to have filled roles such as justice for a former Berlin judge and former AfD Bundestag member, Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, and a former KSK officer from the Bundeswehr.
On Tuesday, the first and second sessions of the court hearings are taking place in Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart, respectively. In Frankfurt, an employee of the Federal Criminal Police Office discussed Prince Reuß's personal connections, including his business relationships, internet activities, clubs, number of cars, finances, bank accounts, and residences. Defense lawyers attempted to intervene repeatedly during the questioning.
In Stuttgart, the alleged militant strand of the group is being accused of using force to enact their planned power takeover. The group had already begun the process by putting together a nationwide network of 286 militarily organized associations, known as "Homeland Protection Companies." The "Homeland Protection Company No. 221" was said to be responsible for the regions of Freudenstadt and Tübingen.
The search and seizure operations were assisted by special units from the federal and regional governments in Baden-Württemberg. In addition to officers from the Federal Criminal Police Office, Federal Police, and state police of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Schleswig-Holstein, experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service of the state and the Technical Relief Organization in Saxony were also involved. Heavy machinery was used in the operations.
The General Prosecutor's Office in Dresden also carried out two raids against the "Reichsbürger" movement in the Erzgebirgskreis. The sites were targeted in Seiffen and Pockau-Lengefeld, though specifics regarding the background of these actions were not disclosed immediately.
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The raid uncovered ties between the "Reichsbürger" group and Prince Reuß in various German states, including Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. Authorities in Stuttgart are prosecuting two individuals, a 73-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman, for aiding the group's activities, including providing a car and living spaces. The "Reichsbürger" movement, which believes the German Reich is still in existence, has been labeled as a domestic terrorist organization. This belief led some followers to plan for a power takeover, which involved creating a nationwide network of "Homeland Protection Companies."
The militant strand of the group was accused of using force to enact the planned takeover, with groups like "Homeland Protection Company No. 221" responsible for regions like Freudenstadt and Tübingen. The Federal Prosecutor's Office revealed earlier phone calls alluding to undiscovered weapons caches, linked to the group's members. In response, authorities carried out numerous raids in several states, using heavy machinery and the assistance of federal and regional special units.
The "Reichsbürger" movement's influence went beyond the group's members, with Prince Reuß having personal connections and business relationships in Germany. Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß was expected to serve as the head of state in the group's setup, and other notable individuals were believed to have filled key roles, such as justice for a former Berlin judge andformer AfD Bundestag member, Birgit Malsack-Winkemann. These revelations have sparked fear and concern about the impact of terrorism on German society.
Furthermore, the Terrorist Infringements Act (TIA) in Germany was brought into play as the "Reichsbürger" movement in Saxony was accused of committing terrorism. The General Prosecutor's Office in Dresden led raids on two sites in Seiffen and Pockau-Lengefeld, though the specifics were yet to be disclosed. The raids and subsequent court hearings in Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart aimed to bring those involved in the terror group to justice.
Lastly, the discovery of the "Reichsbürger" group's plans has highlighted the importance of vigilance in maintaining peace and order in Germany, especially during festive periods like St. Nicholas Day. The police have a crucial role in maintaining security and preventing any further acts of terrorism, including those incited by extremist groups such as this one. The events surrounding the "Reichsbürger" group remind us of the need for unity and to stand against hatred and fear-mongering in society.
