The trial of the alleged leaders of a suspected far-right plot to overthrow the German government is set to begin in Frankfurt on Tuesday. This high-profile case, which caused a shockwave across the country in late 2022, will now enter the courtroom.
Nine defendants will appear before judges in a specially constructed temporary courthouse designed to handle the high volume of defendants, legal representatives, and media involved in the case. The Frankfurt state court anticipates a trial that will continue well into 2025, with approximately 260 witnesses expected to testify. This trial is one of three interconnected cases that involve over two dozen suspects.
Related posts
This Article Includes
- 0.1 Related posts
- 0.2 Officials: Building Is Unsafe To Occupy After The Floor Collapsed During The Maryland Fire
- 0.3 Tattooed Shooter Involved In Tag-team Assault For Shooting Victim In The Face In Jackson: Prosecutor
- 1 A PRINCE, AN EX-LAWMAKER AND FORMER SOLDIERS
- 2 STORMING PARLIAMENT AND NEGOTIATING WITH RUSSIA
- 3 ONE ALLEGED PLOT, THREE TRIALS
- 4 WIDER FAR-RIGHT WORRIES
A PRINCE, AN EX-LAWMAKER AND FORMER SOLDIERS
The alleged plot involves some of the most well-known individuals, including Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, who the group purportedly intended to appoint as Germany’s interim leader. Also among the defendants are Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a judge and former legislator affiliated with the far-right Alternative for Germany party, as well as former military officers from Germany.
Most of the individuals are facing charges of being part of a terrorist organization that was established in July 2021. The organization’s objective was to forcibly overthrow the current state order in Germany and engage in preparations for a treasonous act. Among the accused, Reuss and another suspect, a former paratrooper, are believed to have served as the leaders of the group.
The accused, according to prosecutors, held a belief in a collection of conspiracy myths, which encompassed Reich Citizens and QAnon ideology. They were firmly convinced that Germany is under the control of a shadowy group known as the “deep state.” The Reich Citizens movement consists of individuals who reject Germany’s postwar constitution and actively advocate for the overthrow of the government. On the other hand, QAnon is a worldwide conspiracy theory that originated in the United States.
STORMING PARLIAMENT AND NEGOTIATING WITH RUSSIA
According to prosecutors, the group had planned to forcefully enter the parliament building in Berlin and apprehend lawmakers. Their intention was to engage in negotiations with Russia, one of the victorious countries in World War II, to establish a new order after the coup.
The plotters reportedly possessed a substantial sum of 500,000 euros ($543,000) in funding. In addition, they had access to a wide range of weaponry, including 380 firearms and almost 350 weapons suitable for stabbing. They were also equipped with bulletproof vests and handcuffs. According to federal prosecutors, the group had compiled multiple “lists of enemies” as part of their plans to seize control of regional and local authorities. It is alleged that the plotters were aware that their intended takeover of power would involve the killing of people.
In 2022, Reuss made attempts to contact Russian officials in order to secure Russia’s support for the plan. The response from Russia remains unclear, according to prosecutors.
A Russian woman, who is among the defendants in Frankfurt, is facing charges of supporting a terrorist organization. It is alleged that she facilitated communication with the Russian consulate in Leipzig and even traveled to accompany Reuss to the consulate.
ONE ALLEGED PLOT, THREE TRIALS
The Frankfurt trial, although it is the most well-known, is the second out of three trials that center around the plot to open. These trials involve a collective of 26 suspects. Initially, the number of defendants was 27, but unfortunately, one individual charged in Frankfurt passed away prior to the trial.
A trial in Stuttgart, which started at the end of April, is currently focused on the “military arm” of the plot. Prosecutors claim that this group was responsible for carrying out the plans devised by the alleged leaders.
The remaining eight suspects will face trial in Munich on June 18th.
WIDER FAR-RIGHT WORRIES
German officials have been warning for a while that the biggest threat to the country’s domestic security comes from far-right extremists. This concern was further highlighted in December 2022 when a series of arrests uncovered an alleged coup plot.
In 2019, the threat became evident when a regional politician was killed and there was an attempted attack on a synagogue. A year later, during a protest against pandemic restrictions, far-right extremists made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the parliament building in Berlin.
Five individuals faced trial in Koblenz one year ago for their alleged involvement in a plot orchestrated by a group known as United Patriots. This organization, believed to have connections to the Reich Citizens milieu, was accused of planning a far-right coup and attempting to kidnap Germany’s health minister.
Mass protests erupted in January after a report revealed that extremists had convened to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including those with German citizenship. The rise of the far-right was widely condemned, leading to widespread demonstrations.
Members of Alternative for Germany are said to have attended the meeting, according to reports. The party, which has gained significant support in the past year, attempted to distance itself from the event while criticizing the way it was reported.
