The German government has taken action against far-right “German Kingdom” groups, declaring a ban on Tuesday and arresting four of their leaders across various locations in the country.
German Home Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who announced the ban, identified these groups as a threat to democratic order because their members do not recognize the German government’s legitimacy, often flouting laws and incurring fines.
“These individuals have established an ‘anti-state’ presence in our nation and have formed an economic crime network,” Dobrindt noted.
He emphasized, “We will respond decisively against those who undermine our free democratic fundamental order.”
This group is associated with the “Reich Citizens” movement, which asserts that the former German Empire continues to exist. Dobrindt pointed out that the group’s claims stem from anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, which he deemed unacceptable.
“This is not mere harmless nostalgia, as the group’s name may imply; it involves criminal structures and networks,” he later clarified to reporters.
“That’s why we have enacted this ban today,” he reiterated.
Approximately 800 police officers were involved in the operation on Tuesday, which led to the arrest of four high-ranking members, including leader Peter Fitzek.
