The first of three trials began in Germany in an attempt to depose Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss and install a new chancellor. A man who ran a vast QAnon social media group, a dentist, a clairvoyant, and an amateur pilot were allegedly implicated in the conspiracy that started in December 2022. Allegedly, nine individuals were involved with the “military arm” of the group headed by Reuss, who sought to elevate himself to head of state after the organization’s intended takeover.
The accused conspirators spread conspiracy theories influenced by the international QAnon movement and the Reichsbuerger (Citizens of the Reich) movement in Germany. Extremists on the right who oppose the validity of the current German republic are part of the Reichsbuerger movement. Many of their adherents have established independent nations based on the idea that the German Reich, which existed before World War I, should remain a monarchy.
Carrying out a treasonous undertaking in connection with the Reichsbuerger plan is one of the charges against the nine defendants set to face trial in Stuttgart. An attempt to eradicate state order in favor of their own administration is said to have been their goal. It was the responsibility of the military branch to form, furnish, and enlist new members for territorial defense companies.
Andreas M., a special forces member, is allegedly among those who utilized his access to spy out military bases. Additional defendants are said to have been in charge of the organization’s information technology systems or to have coordinated with the made-up underground “alliance,” which the plotters believed would come to their rescue in the event of a coup.
The Stuttgart proceedings will continue until the beginning of 2025. Trials are scheduled to begin in Munich and Frankfurt, adding 26 individuals to the massive case against the extremist network. Reuss, along with another ringleader named Ruediger and a former member of parliament for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, will be tried in Frankfurt on May 21.
