In Frankfurt, Germany, the leaders of an alleged far-right plot to overthrow the government have gone on trial. The trial opened in late 2022 and is expected to extend into 2025. The defendants include high-profile individuals such as Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a former lawmaker, and former military officers. They are charged with belonging to a terrorist organization that aimed to overthrow the existing state order in Germany and preparation of high treasonous undertaking.
The group believed in conspiracy myths, including Reich Citizens and QAnon ideology, and were convinced that Germany is ruled by a deep state. The planned to storm the parliament building in Berlin, negotiate with Russia, and had access to firearms and weapons. The leader of the group, Reuss, allegedly tried to contact Russian officials for support. The trial includes a Russian woman accused of supporting a terrorist organization.
The Frankfurt trial is one of three trials focusing on the plot, with a total of 26 suspects involved. Far-right extremism has been a concern for Germany’s domestic security, highlighted by previous incidents such as the killing of a regional politician and attempted attacks on a synagogue. The rise of the far-right has led to mass protests and legal proceedings against individuals involved in extremist activities.
Overall, the trial in Frankfurt sheds light on the dangers posed by far-right extremism in Germany and the efforts to address and prevent such threats to national security. Die Gerichtsverhandlung in Frankfurt verdeutlicht die Gefahren durch rechtsextreme Gruppierungen und die Bemühungen, solche Bedrohungen für die nationale Sicherheit zu bekämpfen.
