Third terror trial against "Reichsbürger" group begins

Extremism - Third terror trial against "Reichsbürger" group begins

A Lawyer, a Doctor, an IT Specialist, but also a self-proclaimed Astrologer: Eight suspected members of the "Reichsbürger" Group around Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß have to answer before the Munich Upper Regional Court since Tuesday. This is the group that became known after a large-scale anti-terror raid in several federal states and abroad at the end of 2022. The currently 26 accused are alleged to have planned a violent overthrow of the Federal Government and deliberately taken innocent lives into account. Reuß was supposed to be the head of a new state form.

The Federal Prosecutor's Office accuses the eight defendants in Munich of founding or membership in a terrorist organization and the preparation of a so-called high-treasonous enterprise. Four men also have to answer for the preparation of a serious state-endangering violent act and one for violating the weapons law. This is the third nationwide terror trial against the "Reichsbürger" Group around Reuß. In Frankfurt, Reuß and the alleged ringleaders are standing trial. In Stuttgart, the Federal Prosecutor has indicted alleged members of the "military wing."

However, several of the defendants in Munich, who appeared to be ordinary citizens, only partially covered their faces with a folder or a newspaper in front of the press cameras at the beginning of the trial. Others seemed to be indifferent to the journalists. The reading of the indictment, which could only begin after officials removed a heckler from the spectator stand, was followed by all defendants mostly motionless, at most with a slight head nod.

Are they just conspiracy theorists or dangerous putschists - or both?

Minutely, the Federal Prosecutor has listed what they accuse the defendants of personally and in conjunction with the defendants in the other proceedings. A bizarre and alarming image of the men and women emerges: Were they spinners and conspiracy theorists - or dangerous high-traitors, terrorists, putschists?

For example, Thomas T.'s grounding assembly of the group is said to have taken place at the end of July 2021. Ruth L. is also alleged to have been among the founders and later recruited new members, such as the former AfD Bundestag deputy Birgit Malsack-Winkemann. T. and L., who identified their profession as "Astrologer, but actually a pensioner" at the beginning of the trial, were allegedly responsible for the leadership of the "Transcommunication" department in the "Council." This department was supposed to be responsible for the spiritual examination of new council members and the personal advice of Prince Reuß.

A defendant is alleged to have been in charge of weapons procurement within the "military arm" and provided weapons to members planning an attack on the Bundestag, according to the Federal Prosecutor's Office. Another person is reportedly leading the "Human Resources" organization branch in the military leadership staff: He was supposed to take over the Military Judiciary after a coup, and judge crimes, including the application of the death penalty. The lawyer G. was reportedly chosen for the "Foreign Affairs" department in the "Council", the doctor R. for the "Health" sector. Interestingly, Corona was a dominant theme from the start. For example, R. is said to have frequently referred to side effects of Corona vaccines, according to the indictment.

The Higher Regional Court Munich has scheduled the main hearing for 55 sessions to begin with, currently up to the end of January 2025. A extension is possible.

Prime Minister of the Federal Prosecutor General Prime Minister of the Higher Regional Court

1. The eight defendants in Munich, including a retired Astrologer named Thomas T., are standing trial for their alleged roles in the "Reichsbürger" Group around Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuss.
2. This group, which became known after a large-scale anti-terror raid in several federal states and abroad at the end of 2022, is accused of planning a violent overthrow of the Federal Government and deliberating to take innocent lives into account.
3. The Federal Prosecutor's Office accuses them of founding or membership in a terrorist organization and the preparation of a high-treasonous enterprise.
4. Some of the defendants, who appeared to be ordinary citizens, seemed indifferent to the journalists during the initial trial proceedings.
5. Three terror trials against the "Reichsbürger" Group around Reuss have occurred nationwide so far, with separate proceedings in Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
6. In Stuttgart, the Federal Prosecutor has indicted alleged members of the "military wing."
7. One of the defendants in Munich is alleged to have been in charge of weapons procurement within the "military arm" and provided weapons to members planning an attack on the Bundestag.
8. Another defendant, who was in charge of the "Human Resources" organization branch in the military leadership staff, was supposed to take over the Military Judiciary after a coup and judge crimes, including the application of the death penalty.
9. The trial in Munich has been scheduled for 55 sessions to begin, currently up to the end of January 2025, with a possible extension.

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