In a sweeping operation, German police conducted searches at the residences of approximately 20 individuals on Thursday, targeting suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens movement.
The adherents of this group, known for rejecting the legitimacy of Germany’s postwar constitution, are believed to share similarities with followers of the QAnon movement in the United States.
The suspects, spanning ages from 25 to 74, face accusations of forming a criminal organization.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann revealed that the individuals had engaged in widespread insults and, in some instances, significant threats against state institutions throughout Germany, primarily using social media platforms.
A coordinated effort involving about 280 officers led to raids in eight German states, including Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg, Hamburg, and Lower Saxony.
During the searches, law enforcement authorities confiscated items such as a blank-firing weapon, irritant devices, and smartphones.
According to prosecutors in Munich, the primary objective of the suspects was to destabilize Germany and its institutions.
This move is part of ongoing efforts to curb the influence and activities of the Reich Citizens movement, which has raised concerns due to its rejection of the country’s established constitutional framework.
Last month, a related operation targeted homes of Reich Citizens associated with the United Patriots, a group classified by Germany as a terrorist organization. During those raids, five individuals were arrested.
The recent crackdown underscores Germany’s commitment to addressing potential threats posed by far-right movements and preserving the stability of its democratic institutions. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
