Coup Trial Begins in Germany: ‘Imperial Citizens’ Face Judge
The trial of 26 defendants, who identify themselves as “Citizens of the German Empire” (Reichsbürger) and are accused of planning a coup under the leadership of Prince Heinrich Reuss, is set to begin in higher regional courts in Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart.
The defendants are facing allegations of plotting sensational actions, such as detaining the prime minister and all ministers during a parliamentary session and broadcasting it on television. They are being tried for charges including “being a member of a terrorist organization” and “planning a coup against the government using violence”.
Prince Reuss and former German Armed Forces officer Rüdiger von P, who are said to be the ringleaders, are accused of various charges such as establishing a terrorist organization, attempted treason, possessing illegal weapons, and preparing for acts of violence that could endanger the state. Another defendant is facing charges of attempted murder and serious injury.
The first case began in Stuttgart, where 9 defendants, mostly believed to be part of the organization’s military wing, are facing trial. The courtroom faced delays due to the large crowd gathered outside, and multiple hearing dates have been set until January of next year.
The trials for other defendants, including Prince Reuss, are scheduled to take place in Frankfurt and Munich. The Frankfurt hearings are expected to conclude by mid-January 2025, while Munich aims to complete 54 hearings by January of the same year.
The “Reichsbürger” movement, with around 23 thousand individuals who do not recognize Germany as a legitimate state, has caught the attention of domestic intelligence. Some members advocate for a return to a German Empire under monarchy, while others hold pro-Nazi beliefs or claim Germany is still under military occupation.
The case, which holds a file consisting of 425 thousand pages, is considered the largest relating to state security in the history of the Federal Republic. As the trials proceed, more insights into the activities and ideologies of the “Reichsbürger” movement are expected to come to light.
