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Germany’s federal prosecutors have charged 27 individuals, including Prince Heinrich XIII Reuss and former AfD parliamentarian Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, for their involvement in a far-right extremist network known as ‘Reichsbürger’. This nationwide group, allegedly led by Prince Heinrich XIII, is accused of plotting to overthrow the German government and establish a new state order, drawing on beliefs rooted in pre-World War I Germany.
The members of this group are suspected of terrorism-related charges, including the formation and support of a terrorist organization and preparation for a treasonous endeavor. The group’s plan included the violent overthrow of the democratic system, with Prince Heinrich XIII envisioned as the new head of state. Malsack-Winkemann was purportedly designated as the future justice minister.
The ‘Reichsbürger’ movement, which has grown increasingly radical in recent years, consists of far-right extremists, conspiracy theorists, and gun enthusiasts who deny the legitimacy of modern Germany. They aspire to revive the pre-1918 German Reich under a monarchy. This group’s existence has raised significant security concerns, with the Verfassungsschutz (Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution) estimating around 23,000 followers, including more than 1,250 identified as right-wing extremists.
In a sweeping action against this network in December 2022, over 3,000 officers, including elite anti-terror units, executed raids across Germany, Austria, and Italy, arresting numerous individuals. The large-scale operation involved searches of over 130 properties and is considered one of the largest police actions against extremism in Germany.
The defendants include not only high-profile figures like Prince Heinrich XIII and Malsack-Winkemann but also former and current members of the German army, with an active soldier in the KSK special forces among them. Additionally, individuals from various backgrounds, such as a former police officer from Hannover, a business consultant from Landkreis Harburg, and legal and medical professionals from Lower Saxony, have been implicated.
The group intended to negotiate with the World War II allied powers for a new state order, focusing on Russia as a primary contact. This plan included attempts to meet with Russian officials, though there is no indication of their receptiveness to these overtures.
As the judicial process unfolds, three superior regional courts in Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart will oversee the trials, reflecting the seriousness and complexity of the case. The extensive network and meticulous planning of the ‘Reichsbürger’ highlight the ongoing challenge of addressing far-right extremism and its threats to democratic institutions in Germany.
