In one of the largest ever counter-terrorist operations in Germany, the police had arrested 25 individuals of a far-right group (The Reichsbuerger), for plotting to violently overthrow the German state.
What is Reichsburger?
Reichsburger - Reichsburger loosely translates to “Imperial Citizen” or “Citizens of the Reich”, the German Empire founded in 1871.
They do not believe in the post-World War II Federal Republic of Germany and its legal system (Grundgesetz).
The Reichsburger movement is not homogenous and consists of groups and individuals with varying beliefs, like far-right views, the superiority of race, and anti-Semitism (Any form of prejudice against the Jewish people).
Some members believe Germany is still occupied and secretly run by western powers including the U.S., the U.K., and France.
Reich citizens - They consider themselves citizens of the German Reich and not the Federal Republic.
Selbstverwalter (self-governors)- They claim legal and territorial autonomy and the right to leave the State any point of time.
Some people are followers of both ideologies.
What strategies are employed by theReichsburger?
Sending letters to government agencies seeking confrontation
Refuse to pay taxes
Reject identity documents like passports issued by the Federal Republic of Germany
Use modified car number plates and fantasy documents
Declare their own national territories called the “Second German Empire,” the “Free State of Prussia” or the “Principality of Germania”
Idea of applying for a certificate of citizenship called “Yellow certificate,” an official document issued by the Federal Republic of Germany that confirms German citizenship
Displaying anti-Semitic behaviours such as blaming Jews for unemployment to Holocaust-denying conspiracy theories
What is the current trend of right-wing extremism in Germany?
Current picture – The right-wing extremists attempted to gain mainstream acceptance by taking advantage of protests against government during the Covid-19 time.
Several groups such as Kingdom of Germany, United German Peoples and Tribes (GdVuSt), etc. aims to propagate right-wing extremism in the country.
The group, which consisted of members of a shadowy far-right movement had even set up a ‘council’ to take over.
It has been reported that many Reichsbuerger are strongly influenced by QAnon, an American far-right political movement that conspired against Donald Trump during his tenure as President of the USA.
Steps taken - Germany combats extremism through
Banning organisations – It weakens their structure and allows for the confiscation of financial and material resources
Banning controversial symbols and marks - Usage of certain symbols and signs, including those representing Nazism, is banned by law.
