The first members of a far-right group that allegedly plotted to attack the German parliament and overthrow the government will go on trial in Stuttgart. Nine suspected participants in the coup plot will take the stand in the first set of proceedings to open in the sprawling court case, split among three courts in three cities.

Berlin

Nine individuals are set to face trial in Stuttgart, Germany, accused of being part of a far-right group alleged to have plotted an attack on the German parliament and overthrow of the government. This marks the commencement of the first trial in a larger case that will see proceedings against a total of 27 defendants across three different cities.

Charged with high treason, attempted murder, and membership in a terrorist organization, these defendants are associated with the Reichsbürger movement. This far-right group reportedly aspires to install martial law in Germany through a violent coup d'état. The trial in Stuttgart is significant as it represents the initial phase in addressing the threats posed by such groups to Germany’s democratic institutions and security.

Authorities have disclosed that the group had amassed resources including 500,000 euros in cash, hundreds of firearms, bladed weapons, and around 148,000 rounds of ammunition. The extensive arsenal underscores the potential threat and seriousness of the group's alleged intentions. The trial proceedings spotlight Germany's efforts to confront and neutralize extremist threats within its borders.

Later trials will feature other key figures in the Reichsbürger movement, including the supposed leader Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss, slated to appear in court in Frankfurt. Prosecutors argue that the group contests Germany's current state legitimacy, favoring instead the German Empire established in 1871 and denying the post-World War II geopolitical reality. 



Nine face trial in Germany for alleged far-right coup plot

More than a year after German police uncovered their alleged plot to overthrow the federal government, a group of nine people are set to go on trial in Stuttgart on charges including high treason, attempted murder and of belonging to a terrorist group. The defendants are part of the far-right Reichsbürger, or citizens of the Reich movement, who are allegedly aiming to impose martial law on Germany after carrying out a violent coup d'etat. The most important consequence of this is that everyone knows that we have a resilient state and democracy, which is able, with its security organisations, to thwart such violations of the law and counter them with all its might. Monday's trial is the first of three, with 27 defendants in total. The Reichsbürger's political leadership will go to court in Frankfurt in June. That includes the alleged ringleader, Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss. The 72-year-old aristocrat and a state agent was allegedly earmarked for the role of provisional head of a German state by his supporters. Prosecutors say the group believes Germany is ruled by a so-called deep state and that the German Empire, founded in 1871, still exists, refusing to recognise the armistice signed after World War II. Authorities say the nine people about to start trial had stored up to 500,000 euros in cash, alongside hundreds of guns and bladed weapons, plus some 148,000 rounds of ammunition, showing they were a real danger.

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Normandy

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