Alleged conspiracy for a coup - Trial of Reichsbürger movement: "Individuals infiltrated the group"
A man from Schleswig-Holstein has been on trial in Hamburg since Monday for his alleged involvement in a far-right group called "Reichsbürger". The defendant's lawyer, Ina Franck-Holst, confirmed that his client was part of this organization, known as "The United Patriots", but disagreed with the assessment of the group by the Hamburg Public Prosecutor's Office. This group has been in court in Koblenz for over a year.
The man is accused of supporting a terrorist organization and planning a high treason operation. According to the prosecution, the 66-year-old was part of the "Kaiserreichsgruppe", a group with the goal of establishing an authoritarian government system in Germany based on the constitution of the German Empire of 1871.
Sailing with a mission
The defendant admitted to planning a sailing trip to Russian territorial waters near Kaliningrad with the aim of establishing contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The group's intentions regarding the former Königsberg remain unclear.
Power outage and kidnapping of government official
The man is also accused of planning a long-lasting and nationwide power outage in Germany, along with the abduction of Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) during a live broadcast of a talk show. They intended to declare Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dismissed and replace them with a constituent assembly to determine new leadership. The defendant and a member of the Koblenz group agreed that the new leadership should be a parliamentary monarchy.
Arms and ammunition
The accused was ordered to procure weapons. He had a pistol and over 100 rounds of ammunition stored securely inside his camper van. During his arrest on November 29, 2023, gunpowder was found in a toolbox in the basement of his apartment.
Getting involved during the Corona pandemic
The defendant stated that he had always been interested in German history and became involved with like-minded people during the Corona measures. They communicated through chat groups on Telegram. He joined the group on February 22, 2022, and knew about their coup plans. He reportedly tried to warn the Constitutional Protection Agency (Verfassungsschutz) about the power outage plan but was not taken seriously.
Classification of "Kaiserreichsgruppe" as a terrorist organization
It is crucial for the court to classify the "Kaiserreichsgruppe" as a terrorist organization in order to convict the defendant of supporting such an organization in Hamburg. The State Security Senate will consider the judgment of the Higher Regional Court in Koblenz, but must make its own assessment.
Ongoing trials against Reichsbürger in Germany
There are currently other trials against Reichsbürger in Germany. Since last Tuesday, a trial is taking place before the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt involving the group around Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß. Legal proceedings for the military wing of the group "Reuß" began in Stuttgart at the end of April. Other suspected members of the Reuß group are expected to appear before the court in Munich from June 18th.
The defendant, who is 66 years old, tall, bald with glasses, and wearing a beige shirt and cargo pants, expressed the hardships of being in detention. However, his wife and family have remained by his side. Prior to his arrest, he worked as a driver for an airport shuttle.
Preparing for a court battle
It will be crucial for the court to determine whether the "Kaiserreichsgruppe" is a terrorist organization or not, so the defendant can be convicted of supporting it in Hamburg. The Hamburg court will consider the judgment of the Higher Regional Court in Koblenz. This trial is one among several ongoing proceedings targeting Reichsbürger in Germany.
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The "Kaiserreichsgruppe's" classification as a terrorist organization is significant for the defendant's trial in Bad Bramstedt, as it could lead to a conviction for supporting such an organization. This classification is under consideration by the State Security Senate, following the Higher Regional Court's ruling in Koblenz's ongoing trial against the "Kaiserreichsgruppe" members.
The defendant's Coronavirus-induced interest in German history and extreme beliefs led him to join the "The United Patriots" on Telegram, a far-right group with ties to the alleged overthrow plan. His efforts to warn authorities about the power outage plan went unheeded.
Germany's ongoing struggle against extremism has resulted in multiple trials against Reichsbürger, such as the one in Frankfurt involving Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß, as well as the military wing of the Reuß group's trials in Stuttgart and Munich.
In the midst of these legal proceedings, the defendant, hailing from Schleswig-Holstein, hopes to gain freedom as his wife and family stay by his side during his detention. His previous profession was a driver for an airport shuttle, but he allegedly sought a connection with Russia's President Vladimir Putin while sailing towards the former Königsberg's territorial waters.
Divisions within Germany arose concerning the defendants' alleged conspiracies, with some accusing him of planning a nationwide power outage and abducting Karl Lauterbach, the German Health Minister, during a live talk show. They envisioned an authoritarian government based on the German Empire's 1871 constitution, aiming to oust Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
These far-right groups, such as the "Kaiserreichsgruppe" and "The United Patriots," pose a threat to Germany's democratic values and the protection of its constitution, as they strive for extremist purposes.
Russia's proximity to Germany has led to the defendant's plans for establishing contact with Russian leaders, raising concerns about potential external influences on domestic political processes, a further testament to the complexities Germany faces in its fight against extremism.
The trial in Hamburg serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle against extremism in Germany, highlighting the urgent need to protect the country's constitutional values and prevent the threat of Revolution or an overthrow plan from materializing.
Source: www.stern.de
