The third massive trial linked to Germany’s extremist ‘Reichburgers’ movement begins on Tuesday in the southern city of Munich.
The trial involves a group of suspects linked to Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss, who prosecutors say was a key figure in an alleged plot to overthrow the German government.
The Reichsburgers, or Reichsbürger in German, claim that the historic German Empire from 1871 to 1945, with an emperor as head of state, is the country’s legitimate form of government. As such, they do not recognize the current German government and its institutions.
The group was exposed after multiple raids in several German states and abroad in 2022.
In total, some 26 suspects are said to have planned a violent overthrow of the German government, and according to the federal prosecutor’s office, they accepted the risk that others would die in the process.
Reuss would have acted as head of a new form of government. He has denied being the leader of the coup plot.
The eight defendants in Munich are accused of membership of – and in some cases the founding of – a terrorist organization and preparing an act of high treason.
Four men are also accused of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state, and one is accused of violating the Weapons Act.
If convicted, they could all face lengthy prison sentences.
