Negotiations are already underway in Stuttgart, Munich and Frankfurt. However, the investigation complex surrounding the “Reich Citizens” group, which was uncovered in 2022, continues to occupy the state public prosecutors’ offices.
The information known so far about suspected members and supporters of the “Reich Citizens” association around Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss has also led to extensive investigations in the states. As can be seen from a response from the Federal Ministry of Justice to a question from Bundestag member Martina Renner (Left Party), the Federal Prosecutor General has so far handed over 47 investigations in the investigation complex to the state public prosecutors’ offices.
According to the Courts Constitution Act, the Federal Prosecutor General refers proceedings to the State Public Prosecutor’s Office before filing an indictment or a motion in cases of minor importance.
The Reuss group first came to public attention after a large-scale anti-terror raid at the end of 2022. According to the indictment, the 26 accused are said to have planned a violent overthrow of the federal government and knowingly accepted deaths in the process. They are now on trial in three different locations: Munich, Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart. The defendants are presumed innocent until the verdict is reached.
“Reichsbürger” do not recognize the Federal Republic and its laws. The scene is very heterogeneous, with some being classified as right-wing extremists.
System with 286 military units planned
According to the indictment, the military part of the alleged terrorist group around Prince Reuss was supposed to enforce the planned takeover of power by force of arms. To this end, the establishment of a Germany-wide system of 286 militarily organized units, so-called homeland security companies, had begun.
During the first raid, signed confidentiality agreements were discovered, which were an important starting point for further investigations and searches. According to the security authorities, several gun owners were among the signatories of the agreements.
The pressure to investigate must not be allowed to ease, said Left Party MP Renner. “Every weapon in the hands of right-wing terrorists who were involved in planning a right-wing coup represents a deadly threat to representatives of the state, leftists and members of migrant communities.” This is especially true if they have previously been trained as soldiers or police officers in the use of weapons and explosives.
Source: Stern
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