German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced a ban on the far-right group known as the “Kingdom of Germany.” This faction is a notable segment of the Reich Citizens movement in Germany. The operation led to the detention of four individuals identified as ringleaders during coordinated police raids across multiple German states.
Overview of the Group’s Activities
The “Kingdom of Germany” organization is claimed to have approximately 6,000 members. It has faced serious accusations of attempting to form a “counter-state” and developing “criminal economic structures.” According to officials, the group is not simply a social movement but involves illicit operations that threaten the established legal system.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Among those taken into custody are four German men aged between 37 and 59, with Peter Fitzek, the founder of the group, being the most notable. Following the arrests, an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe ordered that three of the detained individuals, including Fitzek, be held in custody, while the fourth suspect is scheduled to face a court hearing soon.
The Reich Citizens Movement
The term “Reich Citizens” encompasses a diverse range of individuals living in Germany who reject the legitimacy of the current government. The group lacks a formal organizational structure, comprising various factions, with the “Kingdom of Germany” emerging as the most significant faction at present.
Members of the Reich Citizens movement, also referred to as Reichsbürger, are broadly categorized as far-right, although there are distinctions among sub-groups within the movement. Many followers assert that the German Reich, established in 1871, is still in existence and do not acknowledge contemporary democratic principles, such as parliamentary governance, legal statutes, or judicial authority.
This rejection extends to financial responsibilities, as many members refuse to pay taxes, social security fees, or any legal fines. The movement has a history of being involved in violent incidents and criminal activities, resulting in surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, which classifies them as extremist organizations.
In recent evaluations, the agency estimated that approximately 25,000 individuals are affiliated with the Reich Citizens movement, indicating a significant presence across the nation. A notable incident in December 2022 involved the apprehension of alleged leaders connected to Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss, a descendant of a noble German lineage, who were accused of planning a coup attempt.
Details on the “Kingdom of Germany”
Founded in 2012 by Peter Fitzek, the “Kingdom of Germany” has evolved into a key player within the Reich Citizens movement. The Interior Minister, Dobrindt, emphasized that the group’s ideologies and actions go beyond mere nostalgia, labeling them as dangerous behaviors that undermine the rule of law.
During the announcement of the ban, Dobrindt stated that the group’s members have espoused anti-Semitic conspiracy theories to justify their claims of sovereignty. This ideology has been deemed unacceptable within a legal framework where the rule of law prevails.
Law Enforcement Actions
Authorities conducted extensive raids on properties associated with the group early Tuesday, targeting locations in several states, including Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. The Interior Ministry reported that the group has operated illegal banking and insurance organizations for years through affiliated entities.
The ministry underscored that the “Kingdom of Germany” is characterized by a distinct profit-oriented approach, highlighting that members have engaged in unauthorized banking and insurance transactions for an extended period.
Legal History of Peter Fitzek
Peter Fitzek, described as the “supreme sovereign” of the group, has a notable criminal history, having been convicted multiple times for offenses including driving without a valid license and executing illegal banking activities. He has also received a court sentence of eight months in prison due to charges of intentional assault and insult.
As the ideological leader, Fitzek played a significant role in shaping the group’s beliefs and practices, establishing his own “laws” within the organization. Two of the detained individuals were his deputies, while the fourth was primarily responsible for the group’s financial operations.
Consequences of the Ban
In conjunction with the ban on the “Kingdom of Germany,” authorities have taken decisive steps to confiscate the group’s assets and eliminate its online presence. Such actions reflect a broader initiative to dismantle extremist movements within Germany and reinforce the integrity of the nation’s democratic structures.
The crackdown on this group serves as a clear indication of the German government’s commitment to combatting far-right extremism and safeguarding the democratic principles upon which the country is founded. This ongoing challenge highlights the complexities involved in addressing ideologies that threaten the established order and the necessity for vigilant law enforcement in this domain.
