Cracking Down on "Reichsbürger": Strobl Commends Collaboration
As reported by Thomas Strobl, Minister of the Interior for Baden-Württemberg (CDU), recent raids against the "Reichsbürger" scene are a testament to effective cross-state cooperation. Speaking in Stuttgart, Strobl expressed his commitment to combating extremism, stating, "We're not backing down. We're paying close attention. We won't budge an inch in this fight." The collaborative efforts of security agencies across Germany were highlighted in these nationwide investigations, with the shared goal of protecting society, democracy, and shared values.
On Thursday morning, approximately 280 officers executed searches at 20 residences in eight federal states, targeting individuals suspected of being involved with the "Reichsbürger" scene. The 20 suspects, ranging in age from 25 to 74, were accused of forming a criminal organization. The primary charge against them pertained to threats aimed at employees of state institutions. According to Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann and Bavaria's Justice Minister Georg Eisenreich (both CSU), the alleged ring leader of the group, who had previously been arrested for managing one of their Telegram channels, had already served time at the end of 2021.
Ten searches were executed in the southwest, with authorities dispatched to Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Hamburg. Herrmann reported the seizure of blank-firing weapons, irritant devices, smartphones, and data carriers during the raids. Importantly, weapons were reportedly not among the items confiscated.
The latest raid against suspected "Reichsbürger" members underscored the unyielding determination of various police forces in their joint mission to eradicate extremism and crime. By charging these individuals with forming a criminal organization and threatening employees of state institutions, authorities aim to dismantle the organization's structures and curb its harmful activities.
Historical and Ongoing Activities
The "Reichsbürger" movement is deeply rooted in historical context, with individuals holding beliefs that the German Reich has never truly ceased to exist, and that the current German state is illegitimate. This framework often incorporates conspiracy theories and rejects the post-WWII German state.
Over the years, members of the Reichsbürger movement have been involved in a range of activities, from spreading propaganda to engaging in violent confrontations with authorities. In recent times, such incidents have included physical attacks on public officials and law enforcement officers, as well as attempts to sabotage state institutions.
Charges Against "Reichsbürger" Members
Individuals associated with the Reichsbürger movement have faced various charges:
- Resistance Against State Authority: Many have been accused of resisting or threatening state authority, which can result in severe penalties in Germany.
- Battery and Assault: Some have been charged with physical attacks on law enforcement officers or other individuals.
- Terrorism: Certain members involved in violent activities, such as attacks on refugee accommodations or other targets, have been classified as terrorists.
- Conspiracy Theories and Propaganda: Spreading conspiracy theories and propaganda is considered a form of incitement to hate or violence.
The German authorities continue to monitor and disrupt the activities of the Reichsbürger movement, working tirelessly to prevent further violence and preserve public safety. The commitment of various police forces to combating extremism and crime has never been more evident, as demonstrated by the latest raids and ongoing investigations.
