Germany bans biggest 'Reichsbürger' group and arrests four of its leaders
BERLIN — Germany has banned an extremist far-right organization linked to the so-called "Reichsbürger" (Citizens of the Reich) movement and carried out dawn raids on its properties and leaders' homes, the interior ministry said on Tuesday.
Hundreds of security forces across several German states searched properties associated with the self-styled "Königreich Deutschland" (Kingdom of Germany) group, and arrested four of its leading members, according to the government.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the organization's 6,000 members had created a "counter-state" in Germany and "built up economic criminal structures".
The group underpinned its supposed claim to power with antisemitic conspiracy narratives, according to Dobrindt, who said Germany would not tolerate such behavior.
"We will take decisive action against those who attack our free democratic basic order," Dobrindt added.
The group's online platforms will be blocked and its assets will be confiscated to ensure that no further resources can be used for extremist purposes, the interior ministry said.
The "Kingdom of Germany" was proclaimed by its leader Peter Fitzek, who was arrested on Tuesday, in the eastern town of Wittenberg in 2012, according to the interior ministry. The group claims to be a "counter-state" that has seceded from the federal government.
The "Citizens of the Reich" movement does not recognize Germany as a state. Many of its members claim that the historical German Reich still exists and ignore the country's democratic and constitutional structures such as parliament, laws or courts. They also refuse to pay taxes, social security contributions or fines.
Berlin has warned for years of the growing threat posed by far-right extremists and has repeatedly cracked down on such groups.
In March, five people linked to the "Citizens of the Reich" movement were jailed for plotting to overthrow the German government in a far-right coup.
In a separate case, 25 people were arrested in December 2022 for planning to topple the government as part of a domestic terrorist organization. Among the plotters was a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. — Euronews
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
12 hours ago
- Leaders
Madleen Aid Ship Nears Gaza after Reaching Egyptian Waters
Madleen Aid Ship, the sailing boat of Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has reached the Egyptian coast and is currently nearing Gaza shore, according to AFP. 'We are now sailing off the Egyptian coast,' German human rights activist Yasemin Acar told AFP. Reaching Egyptian Coast The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, a member organization of the Flotilla Coalition, stated that the ship had entered Egyptian waters. On June 1, the aid ship set out from the Sicilian port of Catania in southern Italy on a mission to break 'Israel's siege' of the devastated territory, organizers said. Madleen aid ship The activists stated that they will try to reach the shores of Gaza and deliver some aids to Palestinians who are starving due to Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid. They assured that they remain in contact with international legal and human rights bodies to ensure the safety of the participating activists. Israeli Response On Friday, Israeli military sources said that Israel would send a 'direct message' to Madleen not to enter Gaza, according to The Jerusalem Post. If those on board 'defy orders or provoke' the Israeli army, they may be arrested and transferred to Ashdod port for their deportation. Greta Thunberg on Board Greta Thunberg Operated by activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the crew includes Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists. 'We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying,' Thunberg said. The mission also seeks to raise 'international awareness' over the ongoing humanitarian crisis. 'Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And no matter how dangerous this mission is, it's not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the live-streamed genocide,' she added. Wide Participation Greta Thunberg and other activists Interestingly, 'Game of Thrones' actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent joined the crew. Israel has previously banned Hassan from entering due to her obvious opposition to the Israeli war on Gaza. 'We are breaking the siege of Gaza by sea, but that's part of a broader strategy of mobilizations that will also attempt to break the siege by land,' said activist Thiago Avila. Related Topics: Israel to Block Entry of Madleen Aid Ship Heading to Gaza Aid Ship Sails to Gaza with Greta Thunberg on Board Gaza Marks Eid Al-Adha with Looming Famine, Rising Violence Short link : Post Views: 1
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Interior Ministry: Hajj Pilgrims Successfully Transported to Mina after Friday's Rituals
Security spokesman of the Saudi Interior Ministry Talal Shalhoub announced on Friday that Hajj pilgrims were successfully transported to Mina after performing the ritual stoning of the devil and the ifada tawaf of the holy Kaaba in Makkah. Speaking at a press briefing, he stressed that the security forces continue to perform their duties in protecting the pilgrims and ensuring their safety as they carry out the sacred rituals. He urged the pilgrims to continue to respect instructions that organize their movements and to abide by timeframes. For pilgrims seeking to depart on the second day of Tashriq, he urged them to remain in their tents until their departure times. He revealed that authorities have so far busted 436 unlicensed Hajj campaigns and arrested 462 individuals for helping violators of the Hajj. The spokesman underscored the Interior Ministry's continued security and organizational efforts to ensure the safety of the pilgrims as they complete their holy journey.
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Germany Urges Israel to Increase Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
In a significant diplomatic exchange, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, to facilitate increased humanitarian aid into Gaza. This statement came during a press conference held in Berlin on Thursday, where Wadephul expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Call for Humanitarian Aid Wadephul emphasized the urgent need for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. He highlighted the dire conditions faced by civilians, stressing that humanitarian assistance is crucial for alleviating suffering. The German Foreign Minister's remarks reflect a growing international concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where many residents struggle to access basic necessities. In addition to his call for increased aid, Wadephul criticized the Israeli government's recent announcement regarding the establishment of 22 new settlements in the West Bank. He argued that these settlements exacerbate tensions and hinder the peace process. Wadephul's comments resonate with many who advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Germany's Commitment to Israel's Defense Despite his criticisms, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Israel's right to defend itself. He stated that Germany would continue to deliver weapons to Israel, emphasizing the importance of security in the region. This dual approach highlights Germany's complex relationship with Israel, balancing humanitarian concerns with defense commitments. The exchange between Wadephul and Saar underscores the ongoing challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Germany calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, the international community watches closely. The hope remains that constructive dialogue can lead to improved conditions for civilians and a path toward lasting peace. Short link : Post Views: 20 Related Stories
