German Far-Right Extremists Accused of Plotting Violent Coup: Reichsbürger face charges

German prosecutors have brought charges against 27 individuals believed to be far-right extremists for plotting a violent coup. These suspects are alleged members of the Reichsbürger movement, a fringe group that rejects state institutions and the democratic constitutional order. The indictment states that the group had made concrete preparations for a coup, with plans to invade the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, using a small armed group. The alleged plotters had even determined the functioning of their new state and envisioned Prince Reuss, a prominent figurehead from an aristocratic family, as the head of state. The group attempted to gain support from the Russian government and sought to recruit soldiers and police officers. According to prosecutors, Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a former member of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, was designated as the justice minister in their hypothetical government. The suspects had drawn up lists of enemies and were aware that their actions would result in casualties. The indictment also reveals that the group had access to a significant arsenal of firearms and ammunition. Some of the accused were apprehended during federal police raids in December. The Reichsbürger movement is estimated to have around 23,000 followers in Germany, according to the country's domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.