The trial in Frankfurt, which started on Tuesday, is the second of a complete of three instances associated to the coup plots to be introduced earlier than the courtroom.
One of many essential prices is the aristocrat Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss (72), who was allegedly meant for the position of recent head of state if the coup plotters had succeeded of their very bold plans.
The ex-soldier Rüdiger von Pescatore additionally had a central position, in response to the prosecution. Allegedly, he was the one who led the right-wing radical group’s navy wing.
The protection lawyer for Prince Reuss denied on the opening day that his consumer had any management position within the plot.
– He’s additionally not a member of any terrorist organisation, mentioned lawyer Roman von Alvensleben.
Anti-terror operation
Additionally sitting on the prosecution bench is Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, who was beforehand elected to the German Nationwide Meeting for the far-right Different for Germany (AfD) celebration.
The plans of the so-called Reichsbürger motion grew to become recognized when the police launched an intensive anti-terrorist raid in December 2022. The primary trial associated to the coup plans started in Stuttgart final month.
The trial in Frankfurt is among the most in depth in Germany in a long time. In complete, there are 9 defendants, and 25 protection attorneys might be in motion. 260 witnesses are anticipated to be summoned, and a minimum of 40 law enforcement officials will present safety each day.
A short lived corridor has been constructed on the outskirts of Frankfurt to deal with the trial, which is anticipated to final nicely into 2025.
– A number of hundred firearms
In keeping with the prosecution, the defendants have been supporters of a mixture of numerous conspiracy theories. They included the American QAnon ideology and the notion that the present German state will not be reliable.
The coup plans allegedly concerned armed Reichsbürger members coming into the Nationwide Meeting in Berlin to seize politicians. The group is claimed to have had entry to 380 firearms and nearly as many stabbing weapons.
After storming the Bundestag, the group reportedly hoped to put in a brand new interim authorities with Prince Reuss as head of state.
– Desired Russian help
In keeping with the prosecution, the coup plotters tried to contact the Russian authorities to get help for the plans. What was Russia’s response will not be recognized.
One of many defendants is a Russian girl who is claimed to have accompanied Prince Reuss to the Russian consulate in Leipzig. Von Pescatore reportedly tried to get a gathering with Russian officers in Slovakia in February 2022.
One of many traits of the Reichsbürger motion is that it rejects the German federal state that was based following the autumn of the Nazi regime in World Conflict II. Its members as a substitute declare that the previous German Reich nonetheless exists.
The defendants in Frankfurt are accused, amongst different issues, of belonging to a terrorist group and preparations for prime treason. If they’re discovered responsible, they danger as much as 15 years in jail.
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2024-05-22 08:31:42
