By Rachel More
BERLIN — In a significant crackdown against extremism, German police apprehended eight alleged members of a right-wing militant faction fueled by deeply entrenched racist ideologies and conspiracy theories. These individuals had reportedly engaged in military-style training aimed at subverting the modern German state, according to statements released by prosecutors on Tuesday.
The arrests were part of an extensive police operation involving 450 officials, which targeted the group identified as “Saechsische Separatisten,” or Saxony Separatists, a name with troubling echoes of the Nazi party’s notorious elite militia due to its coincidental abbreviation, SS.
“Our security authorities have thus thwarted at an early stage militant coup plans by right-wing terrorists, who were longing for a Day X to attack people and our state with armed force,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser declared emphatically in a statement, underscoring the seriousness of the threat they posed.
Notably, reports from Spiegel Online revealed that among those arrested was a politician affiliated with the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD), an assertion that raises alarming questions about the infiltration of extremist elements into mainstream politics.
This marks the second instance of a coup plot being unveiled in German history in recent years, following the unsettling discovery of the “Reichsbuerger” movement in 2022. This previous case shocked the nation as it was led by a self-proclaimed prince who harbored ambitions to dismantle the government and establish a caretaker regime, unveiling a complex network of planning.
The group involved in Tuesday’s operation was reportedly formed no later than November 2020, as confirmed by the federal prosecutor’s office. “It is a militant group of 15 to 20 individuals whose ideology is characterized by racist, anti-Semitic and partially apocalyptic ideas,” the statement emphasized, highlighting their extremist beliefs.
Convinced of an impending societal collapse, members of this faction have been planning for an undefined “Day X,” a date they believe will herald the fall of the government and the establishment of an authoritarian regime in eastern Germany, heavily inspired by Nazi ideology, investigators revealed.
“If necessary, unwanted groups of people are supposed to be removed from the area by means of ethnic cleansing,” the prosecutor’s statement ominously noted, shedding light on their radical plans.
PARAMILITARY TRAINING
Prosecutors revealed that the detained suspects had undertaken extensive paramilitary training, focusing on urban combat tactics, handling firearms, and conducting night marches and patrols. This sophisticated preparation underlines the seriousness of their intentions.
The group had also acquired military-grade equipment, including camouflage uniforms, combat helmets, gas masks, and bulletproof vests, indicating a level of preparation that could threaten public safety.
In a parallel development, the Polish Security Agency has made significant strides as they detained the suspected ringleader and founding member, Joerg S., 23, in the Polish town of Zgorzelec, following months of collaboration with German authorities.
German prosecutors have identified several other detained individuals as Joern S., Karl K., and Norman T., in accordance with German legal practices that protect individuals’ family names. Reports further revealed that two of the suspects belong to a notorious family of far-right militants based in Austria.
The majority of arrests occurred in and around noted eastern cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, and Meissen, reflecting the geographical concentration of this alarming group.
Spiegel’s coverage indicates that one of the suspects, identified as Kurt H., is a serving AfD politician in the eastern state of Saxony. This state is notable for its recent elections in which the AfD narrowly missed claiming victory.
According to the city’s official website, he is currently an elected member of the city council in Grimma, which is located near Leipzig. Furthermore, Spiegel reported that he has served as the treasurer of the Saxon AfD youth wing known as ‘Junge Alternative’ since last October.
The national office and the local Leipzig branch of the AfD did not respond immediately to a request for comments from Reuters, highlighting the potential political fallout from these developments.
Spiegel also indicated that Kurt H.’s legal representative was initially unavailable for comment regarding the ongoing situation.
The eight detained individuals face serious charges of involvement in a domestic terrorist organization. Some of these individuals are classified to be prosecuted as juveniles and adolescents. Legal proceedings are expected to initiate with their appearance before a judge later in the day. — Reuters
**Interview with Dr. Anna Klein, Expert on Extremism in Germany**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Klein. Given the recent arrests of alleged members of the “Saechsische Separatisten,” could you provide some context on the current state of far-right extremism in Germany?
**Dr. Klein:** Thank you for having me. The situation with far-right extremism in Germany has reached concerning levels in recent years. This latest incident shows how deeply rooted these extremist ideologies remain, with groups actively seeking to undermine the democratic structures of our society. The arrests highlight not only the violent tendencies of such factions but also their organization and planning capabilities.
**Interviewer:** The operation involved a significant police presence. Can you walk us through why such a large-scale operation was necessary?
**Dr. Klein:** Absolutely. The scale of the police operation indicates the seriousness of the threat. These groups have been known to engage in military-style training, acquiring weapons and equipment that could be used to execute their plans. The police needed to act decisively and with a high level of coordination to prevent any potential violence and protect public safety.
**Interviewer:** There were mentions of a potential political influence in the group, especially with the arrest of a politician from the Alternative for Germany (AfD). How does this complicate our understanding of far-right extremism in politics?
**Dr. Klein:** This is particularly alarming. The infiltration of extremist elements into mainstream political parties raises critical questions about the legitimacy and safety of our political discourse. It points to a broader normalization of far-right ideologies within certain segments of society, making it crucial for political leaders to denounce such extremism clearly and firmly.
**Interviewer:** You noted that the group was planning for a “Day X.” What does this signify in terms of their ideology and intentions?
**Dr. Klein:** The notion of a “Day X” reflects a dangerous apocalyptic mindset. Believing in an imminent societal collapse, these groups see themselves as saviors who must act preemptively to reshape society according to their extremist views. Such beliefs can also lead to violent actions, as they are convinced that drastic measures are justified to achieve their perceived goals.
**Interviewer:** what measures can be taken to combat this kind of extremism moving forward?
**Dr. Klein:** A multi-faceted approach is essential. This includes robust law enforcement actions, community engagement, and education to counteract extremist ideologies. It’s vital to promote inclusivity and understanding across diverse groups in society. Monitoring online platforms for extremist propaganda is also critical, as many of these groups use the internet to recruit and radicalize individuals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights on this pressing issue. Your expertise sheds light on the complex dynamics of far-right extremism in Germany.
**Dr. Klein:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical conversation that we must continue to have.
