Germany bans extremist movement and arrests self-declared 'king' Peter
German authorities have arrested Peter Fitzek, a self-declared 'king', along with three of his senior followers, during raids across seven states as part of a crackdown on the extremist group known as Reichsbürger. This group, which seeks to establish an alternative state called the 'Kingdom of Germany', has been banned by the government for attempting to undermine the rule of law and spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories. Fitzek, who has a history of defying German laws, claims to have thousands of followers and has been involved in economic criminal activities to finance his group's operations. The Reichsbürger movement, which has grown in numbers and is associated with right-wing extremism, is seen as a serious threat by officials, especially after previous plots to overthrow the German government were uncovered. The federal prosecutor's office has classified the group as a criminal organization, highlighting Fitzek's control and decision-making power within the organization.
Context:
German authorities have arrested Peter Fitzek, a self-declared 'king', along with three of his senior followers, during raids across seven states as part of a crackdown on the extremist group known as Reichsbürger. This group, which seeks to establish an alternative state called the 'Kingdom of Germany', has been banned by the government for attempting to undermine the rule of law and spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories. Fitzek, who has a history of defying German laws, claims to have thousands of followers and has been involved in economic criminal activities to finance his group's operations. The Reichsbürger movement, which has grown in numbers and is associated with right-wing extremism, is seen as a serious threat by officials, especially after previous plots to overthrow the German government were uncovered. The federal prosecutor's office has classified the group as a criminal organization, highlighting Fitzek's control and decision-making power within the organization.
Dive Deeper:
Peter Fitzek, a self-proclaimed monarch, was arrested alongside three senior members of his group during police raids across Germany, involving 800 security personnel. The group, Reichsbürger, has been banned for planning to establish the 'Kingdom of Germany' and threatening the state's rule of law.
The group's activities were characterized by attempts to create an alternative state, spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories, and financing through economic criminal structures. Fitzek, who has a background as a chef and karate instructor, declared himself 'king' in 2012 and has been purchasing land and properties to support his claims.
Reichsbürgers, who reject the authority of the German state, have developed their own currency, flag, and ID cards, aiming to create independent banking and health systems. Fitzek, claiming thousands of followers, has a history of legal defiance, including driving without a license as a symbolic rejection of German laws.
The movement, now seen as a significant threat by German officials, consists of around 25,000 members, with 2,500 considered potentially violent and 1,350 identified as right-wing extremists. Their activities have included illegal arms possession and violent confrontations with police.
In 2022, multiple Reichsbürger members were arrested for plotting a violent coup to destabilize German democracy, including plans to kidnap the health minister. Despite being dismissed as eccentric in the past, the growing political strength of the far-right in Germany has elevated the threat level associated with the group.
The federal prosecutor's office has classified Fitzek's group as a criminal organization, emphasizing his role as the 'supreme sovereign' with control over key decisions. The Kingdom of Germany claims sovereignty under international law and aims to expand its territory to the 1871 borders of the German Empire.