Berlin, June 04, 2024, The Europe Today: Germany’s federal prosecutor’s office initiated a series of police raids across multiple states on Tuesday, targeting individuals suspected of backing the far-right “Reichsbürger” movement, notorious for its rejection of modern Germany’s legitimacy post-World War II.
The municipality of Althengstett in Baden-Württemberg witnessed one of the focal points of the operation, where two suspects under investigation reside. These individuals are allegedly linked to providing support to the Reichsbürger movement, facilitating recruiting and fundraising events for the group.
The timing of these raids coincided with another significant development in the legal proceedings against key figures of the movement. Notably, Heinrich XIII Prinz Reuss, an aristocrat implicated as a ringleader, was present in court in Frankfurt on Tuesday for ongoing trial proceedings related to accusations of plotting a coup.
The investigative efforts in court shed light on various aspects of the case, including insights into Reuss’s personal and professional connections, financial activities, and living arrangements. Witnesses provided detailed accounts of the conditions during the raids conducted in December 2022, emphasizing the cooperation received from Reuss despite the tumultuous circumstances.
Items seized during the raids included electronic devices, ammunition, and financial records, underscoring the gravity of the investigation. Moreover, the presence of journalists during the search prompted inquiries into potential breaches of protocol, indicative of the heightened scrutiny surrounding the case.
The ongoing trial in Frankfurt encompasses charges against nine individuals, including Reuss, for alleged involvement with a terrorist group and conspiring to incite armed insurrection. Defense representatives indicated Reuss’s intention to testify during the proceedings, emphasizing his purported disavowal of violence as a means to achieve his objectives.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the court remains poised for further deliberations, with Wednesday scheduled for continued sessions to delve deeper into the complexities of the case.
