German prosecutors charge 27 over far-right coup plot

By REUTERS

Published: DECEMBER 12, 2023 18:00

The red traffic light is seen near the Reichstag building, the seat of Germany's lower house of parliament Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany November 24, 2023. (photo credit: REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen) — The red traffic light is seen near the Reichstag building, the seat of Germany's lower house of parliament Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany November 24, 2023.

(photo credit: REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen)

The association planned to send an armed group to force their way into parliament in Berlin, arrest lawmakers, and overthrow the system, said prosecutors.

German prosecutors have charged a total of 27 people with supporting a terrorist organization and preparing an act of high treason just over a year after members of a far-right group were arrested on suspicion of plotting a violent coup.

The group of Reichsbuerger (Citizens of the Reich), who do not recognize the legitimacy of modern Germany, had wanted to create a new state led by aristocrat Heinrich XIII Prinz Reuss, federal prosecutors said on Tuesday.

The association planned to send an armed group to force their way into parliament in Berlin, arrest lawmakers, and overthrow the system, said prosecutors. To this end, the group had recruited military personnel, acquired equipment and even undertaken shooting training, they added.

"The members were aware that the planned takeover of power would involve the killing of people," said the prosecutors in a statement outlining the charges which were filed on Monday.

The group aimed to build armed forces across the country and to have a signal for "Day X" when the group would take action. It had also drawn up lists of enemies.

German police block streets at the scene of a hostage situation at a pharmacy in the western German city of Karlsruhe, Germany, March 10, 2023. Police in Karlsruhe cordoned off an area in the central part of the city and urged residents to avoid the area. (credit: REUTERS/TILMAN BLASSHOFER)

Plotters had "massive arsenal of weapons"

With financial resources of about half a million euros, they also had a "massive arsenal of weapons," said prosecutors. This included 380 firearms, almost 350 weapons which could have been used to stab people and almost 500 other weapons plus at least 148,000 pieces of ammunition.

Members also acquired equipment such as ballistic helmets, bullet proof vests, night vision goggles and handcuffs, said prosecutors.

"Members of the organization were united by a deep rejection of state institutions and the free democratic order," said federal prosecutors in the statement.

They said the members followed a mix of conspiracy myths, including narratives from QAnon ideology.

They were firmly convinced that Germany was currently being ruled by members of a so-called "deep state."

In accordance with German privacy rules, the prosecutors did not give full names of those accused.

The cases will be sent to courts in Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart which will decide whether trials for the individuals should go ahead.