German far-right coup plot trial to begin soon

The first of three trials linked to a far-right coup plot begins in Germany on April 29, with the defendants accused of preparing to commit high treason and belonging to a terrorist organisation.

All the suspects, part of the so-called "Reichsbürger" movement, were allegedly plotting to overthrow the German government. The Reichsbürger, or "citizens of the Reich," reject Germany's post-war state, claiming it was installed and controlled by the Allied powers who won World War II, according to DW.

Police uncovered the suspected plot in a series of nationwide raids on December 7, 2022. Some 25 people were arrested and are now in detention awaiting the upcoming trials. More than 380 firearms were confiscated, along with almost 150,000 pieces of ammunition.

The alleged military arm of this group is to face court in Stuttgart on April 29. The nine defendants are represented by 22 lawyers, while more than 300 witnesses have been named, including 270 police officers.

On May 21, the most high-profile trial begins in Frankfurt against the ten ringleaders of the plot. A further eight suspected members of the alleged association will have to stand trial in Munich from June 18.

The alleged ringleader of the "Reichsbürger" group facing charges is Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a 72-year-old estate agent from Frankfurt and descendant of an aristocratic family. He was allegedly earmarked for the role of provisional head of a German state by his supporters.

His group is accused of planning to storm the German parliament and detaining prominent politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz , Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock  and conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz .

Among Reuss' co-conspirators to stand trial in Frankfurt is Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a judge and former representative of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the federal parliament, the Bundestag. She was allegedly to become Justice Minister after the coup.