Defendant who planned to kidnap German Health Minister sentenced to 2.5 years in prison

"2.5 YEARS IN PRISON"

The Frankfurt Higher Regional Court sentenced the 62-year-old male defendant to 2.5 years in prison after finding him guilty of "preparing an act of high treason" and "membership in a terrorist organization."

"HE HAD BEEN IN CUSTODY SINCE 2023"

The suspect, who identifies as a "Reichsbürger," had been in custody since 2023 on allegations of plotting to kidnap German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and stage a coup.

"4 PEOPLE HAD BEEN DETAINED"

In April 2022, an investigation was launched into 12 members of the Querdenker (Lateral Thinkers) initiative, who were protesting against COVID-19 measures, on allegations of planning to kidnap the Health Minister and carry out acts of violence; in this context, 4 people from different states were detained.

"THEY WANTED TO INCITE CIVIL UNREST IN THE COUNTRY"

It was learned that the suspects aimed to incite civil unrest in the country by carrying out sabotage attacks on central power plants after kidnapping the Health Minister.

"WHAT IS A REICHSBÜRGER?"

It refers to far-right and conspiracy-theorist social groups that, while not very widespread in Germany, occupy relevant institutions and occasionally the public agenda with their unconventional ideas, rhetoric, and actions.

According to domestic intelligence reports, the number of those in Germany who view themselves as "Citizens of the German Reich" is around 23 thousand.

According to the report, which states that the group has 2 thousand 100 members ready to use violence and does not recognize Germany as a legitimate state, some members are attached to the idea of the German Empire under a monarchy, while others are Nazi sympathizers.

Some members also believe that Germany is still under military occupation.