Radical Ideology - "Trial of Reichsbürger" witness shares personal experience
During the Reichsbürger trial, one of the nine defendants, Peter W., shared details about his life as a survival trainer, animal enthusiast, and ex-soldier. The exact charges within the case are not allowed to be addressed in the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt.
On the eighth day of the hearing, Peter testified that he had a comfortable upbringing in civilian life. He completed an apprenticeship in his father's tax office and then joined the Bundeswehr to pursue a goal of becoming an officer. He received training as a lone soldier but left after eight years due to an injury and no opportunities without a higher education. After unsuccessfully trying out other careers, he started a business for outdoor activities and survival trainings, and an online shop for equipment in 2009.
Peter revealed that he faced massive debt following initial success, sold his house, divorced for the second time, and lost contact with his children. In search of fulfillment, he started a "natural life" with a wolfhound, which marked the beginning of his "wolf phase." This close interaction with animals led him to a spiritual transformation. He does not mind his current detention: "I'm content if I can have peace."
On the other hand, Rudiger von Pescatore, accused of leading the military wing of the movement, didn't speak for himself. Instead, a federal criminal police officer spoke about the findings from a house search in the guest room. Evidence included a diagram called "The Great Awakening Map," believed to be in the conspiratorial mythological realm. There was also an argument about whether a handwritten code was a weapon designation, a password, or a license plate. Von Pescatore, who was part of a Bundeswehr parachute battalion until 1996, and Peter were both former military members until 1998.
A total of 26 alleged conspirators are facing charges across three cities - Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart - for being involved in a terrorist organization or supporting it. The prosecution asserts that they planned an armed takeover, risking lives. The defendants remain innocent until the verdict, and the group had access to a vast range of weapons according to the Federal Prosecutor's Office.
The prosecution kept emphasizing their recruitment of military personnel. Peter revealed that the weapons he had were for his courses and historical reenactments. He is currently facing trial along with eight others in Frankfurt.
