In a significant crackdown on extremist ideologies, German police arrested Peter Fitzek, a self-declared "king" of Germany, and key members of his far-right group, the Reichsbürger.
Germany Detains Self-Proclaimed Monarch and Disbands Extremist Group
Germany Detains Self-Proclaimed Monarch and Disbands Extremist Group
German authorities take decisive action against the 'Kingdom of Germany,' targeting right-wing extremism.
The German police launched a series of coordinated raids across seven states and detained Fitzek, 59, alongside three senior figures from his group. The operation enlisted around 800 officers as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the Reichsbürger movement, which actively denies the legitimacy of the German state and seeks to create their envisioned Königreich Deutschland, or "Kingdom of Germany."
The interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, labeled the group a threat to public order, accusing them of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories and attempting to establish an alternative state. As a result, the German government officially dissolved the Reichsbürger, alleging their financial activities were linked to illegal structures.
Fitzek, who previously worked as a chef and karate instructor, claimed the title of "king" after a self-styled coronation in 2012, wherein he donned regal attire and wielded a sword. He has since sought to acquire land and properties across the nation, even establishing his own currency and distinct identification for his followers. Despite asserting peaceful intentions in a past interview, he referred to Germany’s government as "destructive and sick," indicating his opposition to contemporary governance.
Fitzek's history with law enforcement has been problematic; he has faced jail time for reckless driving incidents which he justified as a rejection of legal authority. This disregard for official laws is emblematic of the Reichsbürger's ideology, which comprises approximately 25,000 individuals. A notable number of these members are linked to radical views, armed insurrections, or have engaged in violent encounters with law enforcement.
The increasing visibility of the Reichsbürger, once regarded as fringe figures, has prompted recognition as a substantial threat within Germany as far-right sentiment has escalated in recent years. Past investigations have unveiled attempts to execute a violent coup, including alarmingly ambitious plans like kidnapping officials to instigate unrest.
The federal prosecutor's office described Fitzek as a principal figure with primary decision-making power, highlighting his influence over the group's goals to operate as a sovereign entity in defiance of the German state’s jurisdiction. As law enforcement continues to address extremist elements, this latest operation underscores the urgent need for vigilance against rising far-right movements within Europe.
The interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, labeled the group a threat to public order, accusing them of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories and attempting to establish an alternative state. As a result, the German government officially dissolved the Reichsbürger, alleging their financial activities were linked to illegal structures.
Fitzek, who previously worked as a chef and karate instructor, claimed the title of "king" after a self-styled coronation in 2012, wherein he donned regal attire and wielded a sword. He has since sought to acquire land and properties across the nation, even establishing his own currency and distinct identification for his followers. Despite asserting peaceful intentions in a past interview, he referred to Germany’s government as "destructive and sick," indicating his opposition to contemporary governance.
Fitzek's history with law enforcement has been problematic; he has faced jail time for reckless driving incidents which he justified as a rejection of legal authority. This disregard for official laws is emblematic of the Reichsbürger's ideology, which comprises approximately 25,000 individuals. A notable number of these members are linked to radical views, armed insurrections, or have engaged in violent encounters with law enforcement.
The increasing visibility of the Reichsbürger, once regarded as fringe figures, has prompted recognition as a substantial threat within Germany as far-right sentiment has escalated in recent years. Past investigations have unveiled attempts to execute a violent coup, including alarmingly ambitious plans like kidnapping officials to instigate unrest.
The federal prosecutor's office described Fitzek as a principal figure with primary decision-making power, highlighting his influence over the group's goals to operate as a sovereign entity in defiance of the German state’s jurisdiction. As law enforcement continues to address extremist elements, this latest operation underscores the urgent need for vigilance against rising far-right movements within Europe.
