Germany arrests 25 accused of plotting coup

Twenty-five members of a far-right group inspired by the so-called “Reichsbürger” movement, have been arrested in raids across Germany on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government
 

REICHSBÜRGER FACTFILE

“Citizens of the Reich” group does not recognise modern-day Germany as legitimate state

Believes in continued existence of German empire, or Reich, dating back to 1871 or 1937

Many members anti-Semitic. Around 5% belong to far right

Print their own passports and driving licences

Group has some 21,000 followers, with minority prepared to use violence to achieve goals


KEY EVENTS
  
2017: Reichsbürger member Wolfgang P. given life sentence for killing officer during police operation to seize firearms at his home
      
2019: Adrian Ursache sentenced to seven years in jail for attempted murder of two officers in 2016 raid
  
Apr 2022: Four members of “United Patriots” – affiliated with Reichsbürger and groups protesting against Covid-19 restrictions – detained for plotting to kidnap health minister Karl Lauterbach
  
Dec 7: Special Forces arrest 25 people said to be planning to storm Reichstag and seize power
 
Plot envisaged by Prince Heinrich XIII (left), former member of German royal family who had allegedly reached out to representatives of Russia
     

Sources: Reuters, DW, Verfassungsschutz 
Pictures: Getty Images, Newscom 
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