Crackdown on Reichsbürger: German Authorities Target 'Kingdom of Germany'
In a significant move to curb anti-state activities, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the Christian Social Union (CSU) has banned the Reichsbürger group known as the Kingdom of Germany, which reportedly boasts around 6,000 members nationwide. Just days into his new role, Dobrindt's actions came alongside the arrests of four alleged leaders of the organization, including its founder, Peter Fitzek.
The suspects, ranging in age from 37 to 59, are expected to appear before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe, where it will be determined if they should be held in pretrial detention. The recent operations saw arrests conducted in various locations, including Landkreis Mittelsachsen, Oder-Spree in Brandenburg, and Bad Dürkheim in Rhineland-Palatinate. Searches were also executed in Switzerland, targeting premises associated with the group.
The Federal Public Prosecutors Office has assumed control over the cases, given their significant nature, as the investigation reveals the group is operating as a criminal organization. Allegations against Fitzek extend beyond his leadership role; he also faces charges related to unauthorized banking and insurance operations, with another accused individual reportedly assisting in these illicit activities.
Dobrindt emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that members of the Kingdom of Germany have constructed a counterstate within the Federal Republic, engaging in what he termed 'economically criminal structures.' Their activities are bolstered by anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, which challenge the legitimacy of Germany's democratic institutions, including parliaments and courts.
The Reichsbürger movement is characterized by a range of beliefs, with many adherents claiming to be sovereign leaders of their own 'empires.' These individuals reject modern governmental authority, including the obligation to pay taxes and abide by the laws of the land. The collective, comprising numerous smaller factions, often operates under the faux belief that the historical German Empire retains legal continuity today.
The Kingdom of Germany, specifically, was established in Wittenberg by Fitzek in 2012, and has faced scrutiny from state security agencies. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution estimated that the broader Reichsbürger movement may encompass as many as 25,000 supporters across Germany as of 2023. Fitzek, who has previously faced legal challenges—including convictions for driving without a license and financial misconduct—was sentenced earlier this year to eight months’ imprisonment for offenses related to bodily harm and insult.
This recent crackdown underscores the German government's commitment to uphold democratic values and combat extremist elements that threaten public order and national unity. As investigations continue and further actions are anticipated against the Reichsbürger movement, the federal authorities aim to dismantle the structures that allow such counter-state entities to thrive.
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