They are a hodgepodge of individuals and groups from the far-right scene, the neo-Nazi scene, conspiracy theorist circles and the deniers of the coronavirus pandemic
The “Citizens of the Reich”, the core of which was dismantled today in the German security forces’ “biggest post-war counter-terrorist operation”, are a patchwork of individuals and groups from far-right scene, the neo-Nazi space, conspiracy theory circles and the deniers of the coronavirus pandemic. They reject the legitimacy of the modern German state and believe in the Reich (1871-1945).
According to the organization, the Reich still exists within its pre-war borders and is ruled by a Provisional Government (KRR) or government-in-exile, the current German state is illegitimate and the Weimar Constitution (1919) remains in force. German capitulation is rejected, as is the 1949 Constitution, which emphasizes that the Federal Republic is not a successor to the Reich. “Reich Citizens” believe that the Reich remains alive but cannot function as a state because it lacks organization and governing authorities.
The original Reich Provisional Government was founded in 1985 by Wolfgang Gunder Ebel, a former foreman on the Reich Railway in West Berlin. Ebel had declared himself “Reich Chancellor”, but after disagreements with other officials, several “governments” were created, even in Nevada, USA. From them currency and stamps are printed, driver’s licenses are issued, and in some cases “government agencies” are also established. Members of the organization often refuse to pay taxes, while imposing “fines” and issuing arrest warrants against officials who refuse to accept their documents and do not recognize the authority of the courts.
In April 2018, German intelligence estimated that membership of the organization had increased by 80% the previous two years, to reach a total of about 20,000. Of these, 950 were registered as “extreme right”. The average age of the members of the Reich Citizens is over 50 years, they are mostly men and live in the south of Germany. In recent years there have been recorded cases of police and armed forces personnel joining the organization. In October 2016 a Bavarian police officer was suspended due to his connections with the “Reich Citizens”.
The operation carried out today by approximately 3000 police officers constitutes the largest post-war mobilization of the security forces in the field of terrorism and had as its main target the group around Prince Henry XIII, heir to the House of Royce. The prince is among 25 people arrested today in investigations in 11 states, on suspicion of being part of a terrorist organization. Former Alternative for Germany (AfD) MP Birgit Malzach-Winkemann, a judge in Berlin, was intended to be the Reich’s “minister of justice” and has also been arrested.
According to Federal Prosecutor Peter Frank, eight of the 25 arrested have already been remanded in custody on charges of subverting the existing state free democratic order. Mr Frank referred to a “terrorist organization which formed around Prince Henry XIII and was in the form of a council, structured like a government organisation”, ideologically influenced by conspiracy theories and the QAnon theory. Leaders of the organization were already preparing to take over certain positions in the state, the Prosecutor pointed out and added that there were even thoughts of an armed invasion of the Federal Parliament.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
