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Germany's 'Reichsbürger' movement

April 28, 2024

Reichsbürger denotes a loosely connected group of Germans who believe that the 1871 German empire borders are still in effect. Members reject the modern German state and its structure. Many lean towards the far-right.

https://p.dw.com/p/4fH5o
Deutschland I Demonstration von Rechtsextremisten und «Reichsbürgern» in Berlin
Image: Fabian Sommer/dpa/picture alliance

The Reichsbürger believe that all of Germany's governments since after the 1871 regime (and including) the Nazis have been illegitimate. Many are also antisemitic. They insist that the current Federal Republic of Germany is a puppet government controlled by the Allied powers of World War II. This page collates DW content on the Reichsbürger movement.

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A man wearing a sweatshirt advertising the German Reich and waving a flag of the German Empire

German far-right coup plot trial begins

The first of three trials dealing with a coup attempt of a far-right network of "Reichsbürger" is set to begin.
Law and JusticeApril 29, 2024
Reichsbürger symbols

The Reichsbürger movement in Germany

They reject the legitimacy of Germany's government. Some are prepared to use violence. Who are the Reichsbürger?
Law and JusticeMay 21, 20239 images
Reichsbürger Joachim Widera holding his 'passport' into the camera

What is Germany's 'Reichsbürger' movement?

Reichsbürger are radical, violent and don't recognize Germany's democracy. Who are they, and do they pose a threat?
PoliticsApril 29, 2024
Demonstrators wave the flag of the Kingdom of Prussia

Germany: Suspect charged with planning 'coup' attempt

Prosecutors in Hamburg have said a man was prepared to ask Russia for help in an attempt to overthrow the German state.
ConflictsApril 8, 2024
Police escorts a person after 25 suspected members and supporters of a far-right group were detained

Germany charges 27 suspects over Reichsbürger coup plot

German prosecutors charge 27 suspects after carrying out raids against the far-right Reichsbürger movement last year.
PoliticsDecember 12, 2023
A photo of the 'Reichsbürger' passport and a handgun

German police target far-right 'Reichsbürger' in raids

Members of the far-right Reichsbürger movement have been accused of plotting to overthrow the German state.
PoliticsNovember 23, 2023
Polizei is written the back of a police officer's jacket

German police swoop on far-right Reichsbürger group

Police in Germany carry out nationwide raids on homes of members of the right-wing extremist Reichsbürger movement.
CrimeOctober 10, 2023
German federal court emblem

Germany: More 'Reichsbürger' suspects arrested

Members of the "Reichsbürger" believe the current German state is no more than a construct occupied by Western powers.
TerrorismMay 23, 2023
A 75-year-old woman, part of the so-called "United Patriots" terror group, appears in court accompanied by armed police in the Germany city of Koblenz.

German far-right group on trial over coup plans

They are accused of planning to overthrow the government — now, five suspected terrorists are facing trial.
CrimeMay 17, 2023
A man's arms in handcuffs

Reichsbürger extremist sentenced to 10 years in prison

The suspected member of the German far-right movement was convicted of attempted murder.
PoliticsMarch 24, 2023
A police officer at a Reichsbürger protest in Munich

'Weapons arsenal' found at home of Reichsbürger extremist

The suspect has been charged with violating several firearms laws.
CrimeMarch 3, 2023
Police vehicles parked in a suburban street

Germany: Fresh raids on Reichsbürger group

CrimeMarch 22, 202301:34 min
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