Germany launches trial of far-right coup plotters
Al Jazeera
Nine suspects will take the stand for attempting to install Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss as Germany’s leader.
Nine suspected members of a German far-right group accused of plotting to overthrow the government are set to go on trial.
German prosecutors will open the hearing in the southwest city of Stuttgart on Monday. The nine suspects are accused of plotting a violent coup to install minor aristocrat Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss as Germany’s leader and imposing martial law.
The case claims that the defendants – including former soldiers and judges, as well as a member of parliament for the far-right Alternative for Germany – participated in the “military arm” of the German Reichsbuerger (Citizens of the Reich), which espouses conspiracy-based theories regarding sovereignty.
The plot unravelled in late 2022 when police launched a series of raids. Charges include high treason.
One person faces an additional charge of attempted murder related to shots fired at police officers, who were injured in the confrontation, as they searched Reuss’s home in March last year.