In a decisive move against extremism, German authorities conducted extensive raids across seven states on Tuesday, apprehending the leaders of the far-right Reichsbürger movement, which seeks to establish a self-declared “Kingdom of Germany.” Among those arrested was Peter Fitzek, a 59-year-old who claims the title of “king” and has been a prominent figure within this group.
The operation involved about 800 law enforcement personnel, and the German government has officially banned the Reichsbürger organization, accusing it of attempting to subvert the established state. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the group aimed to “undermine the rule of law” by creating an alternative governance structure while disseminating “antisemitic conspiracy narratives” to justify their claims of authority.
Details of the crackdown
The dissolution of the Reichsbürger movement was announced by Dobrindt’s ministry, which also accused the group of financing itself through various illegal economic activities. Fitzek, who has previously boasted about having thousands of followers—referred to as his “subjects”—had himself crowned in a ceremonial event in 2012, where he donned ermine robes and wielded a medieval sword.
Operating under the premise of an alternative state, Reichsbürger members have developed their own currency, flag, and identification cards while aspiring to establish independent banking and healthcare systems. Despite Fitzek’s claims of non-violence, he has a history of confrontations with the authorities, often displaying an open disregard for German laws. In a past interview with the BBC, he described the German state as “destructive and sick” and expressed his disinterest in participating in what he termed a “fascist and satanic system.”
Growing concerns over extremism
This recent crackdown is not an isolated incident. The federal prosecutor’s office in Karlsruhe confirmed Fitzek’s arrest alongside three other alleged leaders of the Reichsbürger group, which has been classified as a criminal organization. Fitzek, referred to as the “supreme sovereign,” was said to have had significant decision-making power within the group’s operations.
The Reichsbürger movement is thought to comprise around 25,000 individuals in Germany, a number that has reportedly increased in recent years. Many within this group hold extremist views, promoting racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories, and a significant portion are believed to be armed. Authorities have indicated that approximately 2,500 members may pose a violent threat, and around 1,350 are identified as right-wing extremists.
In 2022, numerous arrests were made related to a plot by Reichsbürger members to overthrow the German government, which included plans for violent actions aimed at creating civil unrest. Historically viewed as eccentric, the movement is now recognized by officials as a considerable threat amid the rising prominence of far-right ideologies in Germany.
“The ‘Kingdom of Germany’ considers itself a sovereign state within the meaning of international law and strives to extend its claimed ‘national territory’ to the borders of the German Empire of 1871,”
the federal prosecutor’s office stated. This recent enforcement action underscores the government’s commitment to countering extremism and maintaining public order.