Germany banned radical right-wing extremist groups related to the so-called “Reichsbuerger” (imperial citizens) movement and carried out a dawn attack on its property and the homes of its leaders, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday.
Hundreds of security forces from several German states searched for property related to the self-styled “Koenigreich Germany” group (King of Germany) group and arrested four key members, according to the government.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrinz said 6,000 members of the organization created an “anti-state” in Germany and “created an economic crime structure.”
According to Dobrind, the group supported the claims that it would take power in a story of anti-Semitic plots.
“We will take critical action against those who attack our free democratic fundamental order,” Dobrindt added.
The group’s online platform will be blocked, its assets will be forfeited and ensure that further resources cannot be used for extremist purposes, the Home Office said.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the “King of Germany” was declared on Tuesday by leader Peter Fizzek, who was arrested in eastern Wittenberg in 2012. The group claims to be “anti-state” with abandoned the federal government.
The “imperial citizen” movement does not recognize Germany as a nation. Many of its members argue that the historic German Empire still exists, ignoring the democratic and constitutional structures of the country, such as parliament, law, and courts. They also refuse to pay taxes, social security contributions, or fines.
Berlin has warned over the years of growing threat posed by far-right extremists, repeatedly cracking down on such groups.
In March, five people linked to the “Citizens of the Empire” movement were jailed for conspiring to overthrow the German government in a far-right coup.
In another case, 25 people were arrested in December 2022 as they plan to overthrow the government as part of a domestic terrorist organization. Among the plotters were members of the far-right alternative to the German (AFD) party.
