German Authorities Launch Major Raids on Far-Right Reich Citizens Threatening State Institutions

German Authorities Raid Homes of Suspected Far-Right Reich Citizens Police officers in Germany conducted raids on about 20 homes on Thursday as part of investigations into the far-right Reich Citizens scene. The suspects, aged between 25 and 74, are accused of forming a criminal organization and are believed to reject the legitimacy of Germany's postwar constitution. Similar to followers of the QAnon movement in the United States, these individuals have been accused of massively threatening state institutions across Germany through social media platforms.

The raids took place in eight German states, including Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. About 280 officers were involved in the operation, in which a blank-firing weapon, irritant devices, and smartphones were seized. Prosecutors in Munich, who led the raids, stated that the suspects' ultimate aim was to destabilize Germany and its institutions. This is not the first time German authorities have targeted the Reich Citizens scene. Last month, police also searched the homes of other Reich Citizens members allegedly connected to the United Patriots group, which Germany considers to be a terrorist organization.

In December 2022, over two dozen people were arrested in connection with plans to overthrow the government, including a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. According to Germany's domestic intelligence estimates, there are around 23,000 people affiliated with the Reich Citizens scene in the country. The movement combines elements of far-right extremism, conspiracy theories, and gun enthusiasts. Its followers believe in the continued existence of the pre-World War I German Reich under a monarchy and have even declared their own states.

In this latest raid, authorities focused on telegram channels used to spread conspiracy theories and engage in mass contacting of authorities to influence decision-making. The suspects targeted state officials with insults and death threats as part of their objective to hinder lawful state action and destabilize Germany. Thursday's raids were conducted to secure evidence as German authorities seek to dismantle the criminal organization formed by these individuals. Investigations are ongoing, and the authorities are committed to safeguarding Germany's institutions and maintaining the rule of law.