Friendly Terror Suspect Claims Non-Violent in Frankfurt Trial
In a surprising turn of events, a man, labelled a terrorist by authorities, appeared remarkably calm and cooperative at the opening of his trial in Frankfurt. Despite the accusations of attempting to snatch Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), he self-identified as "a peaceful individual" in the Higher Regional Court (OLG). He insisted, "Violence isn't the answer," adding that he had even shied away from military service as a young adult.
His words may seem puzzling given the allegations, but he refrained from going into details. He promised to discuss the claims brought forth by the Public Prosecutor's Office during the next hearing on Monday.
The prosecution alleges he's been involved in high treason planning and linked to a terrorist group dubbed "Kaiserreichsgruppe." The group aimed to stage a violent coup in Germany. In this context, the Federal Health Minister was to be kidnapped during a talk show appearance. The indictment claims the perpetrators were ready to sacrifice the minister's bodyguards. The prosecution accuses the man in question of intending to participate in this abduction.
Arrest during Weapon Exchange
In the group's quest for weapons and explosives for the coup, they enlisted the help of an undercover investigator from the State Criminal Police Office of Rhineland-Palatinate. During a weapon exchange in April 2022, initial group members were arrested. According to the charges, these weapons were meant to be stored in the garages of various group members, including the accused man.
Five other alleged group members have been on trial in the OLG Koblenz for over a year. The Frankfurt OLG trial is currently scheduled to continue until November. The defendant remains in custody.
Despite the allegations of high treason planning and ties to a terrorist group, the defendant vigorously denies the kidnapping of the Federal Health Minister. His past actions, such as refusing military service, suggest aversion to violence, which contradicts the accusations against him.
Furthermore...
While the accused maintains innocence regarding the kidnap charge, his past actions hint at ideological leanings towards extreme right-wing groups. Incidents like vandalizing a trans support center and expressing loyalty to Atomwaffen Division hint at his alignment with such groups, even if he claims he didn't participate in any violent activities himself.
His defense argues that terms like "activism" and "advocacy" do not necessarily imply a commitment to violence or terrorism. However, the prosecution disagrees, emphasizing that the antiterrorism law focuses on prevention, and attempting to join a designated terrorist organization is enough for prosecution, regardless of actual participation in violent activities[1].
Thus, while the defense presents a pacifist image, the prosecution sees his past actions and ideological affiliations as evidence of his planning and association with a terrorist group.
