German Authorities Apprehend Eight Suspected Far-Right Militants

German law enforcement officials have apprehended eight individuals suspected of belonging to a far-right organization, which is accused of conspiring to execute a Nazi-inspired coup. According to prosecutors, the group, identified as the Saechsische Separatisten or “Saxony Separatists,” was conducting military exercises in preparation for what it believed would be the collapse of the German government and society on an unspecified “Day X.” Following this date, the group allegedly intended to forcibly seize control of regions in eastern Germany and establish a far-right government. Over 450 officers participated in searches and arrests across Germany, Austria, and Poland as part of efforts to dismantle the organization. Prosecutors stated that the group’s objective was to form a government “inspired by National Socialism,” which is the far-right totalitarian ideology linked to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party. The eight suspects have been partially identified as Kurt H, Karl K, Kevin M, Hans-Georg P, Kevin R, Jörg S, Jörn S, and Norman T. Seven of these individuals were arrested in Germany, while Jörg S, who is believed to be the group’s ringleader, was taken into custody in Poland. Additional searches were conducted in Vienna and Austria’s Krems-Land District. All eight individuals have been detained on suspicion of being members of a domestic terrorist organization. German prosecutors indicate that the Saxon Separatists group was established in 2020 and comprises between 15 and 20 members. The group’s ideology is characterized by “racist, anti-Semitic and partially apocalyptic ideas,” according to prosecutors. Prosecutors further stated, “The organisation believes beyond doubt that Germany is nearing ‘collapse’ and that the government and society will implode on ‘Day X’.” After taking over parts of the country through urban warfare, the group reportedly plans to remove “unwanted groups of people” from these areas by means of “ethnic cleansing.” Members of the group, including the eight arrested suspects, “repeatedly completed paramilitary training in combat gear,” prosecutors affirmed. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed gratitude to the security services, stating they had disrupted “another suspected terrorist group of militant right-wing extremists.” This operation follows the exposure in 2022 of a separate alleged coup plot led by the so-called Reichsbuerger movement. That group, previously dismissed as eccentric, allegedly planned to arrest Members of Parliament in Berlin on a day it also referred to as “Day X.” Prosecutors at the time alleged the plot aimed to install 72-year-old aristocrat Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss as “head of state.” Prince Reuss has denied any involvement. When nine members of that group, including Prince Reuss, faced trial in May of this year, their defense lawyer commented: “They’re not terrorists. They’re slightly crazy.” On Tuesday and Wednesday, the suspected members of the Saxony Separatists are scheduled to appear before a judge, who will formally read out their arrest warrants and decide on their pre-trial detention. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.