Germany Cracks Down on Reichsbürger Movement, Arresting Self-Proclaimed 'King'

In a major operation, German authorities have arrested Peter Fitzek, the self-styled king of the extremist Reichsbürger movement, alongside three senior members, and banned their organization, citing efforts to undermine the state and promote antisemitic conspiracy theories. The arrests raise concerns over the group's rising influence amid a growing far-right sentiment in Germany.

In a decisive government action, German security forces have arrested Peter Fitzek, a self-declared "king" and leader of the Reichsbürger movement, along with three of his senior followers. The group has been banned for its efforts aimed at overthrowing the German government and establishing the so-called "Kingdom of Germany." About 800 personnel were involved in morning raids across seven states, illustrating the seriousness of the threat posed by this extremist faction.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the Reichsbürger, translating to "citizens of the Reich," for attempting to disrupt the rule of law and propagate antisemitic conspiracy narratives to justify their claims of authority. The government punishes the group for purported economic crimes that support its operations.

Fitzek, a 59-year-old former chef and karate instructor, has long claimed sovereignty over an alternative state he constructed, having himself crowned in an elaborate ceremony in 2012. His followers, who number around 25,000, maintain their own currency, ID cards, and aspirations for separate financial and health systems. Despite his claims, Fitzek has faced legal troubles, including previous jail time for ignoring driving laws, underscoring his rejection of German law.

In recent years, the Reichsbürger movement has spread ideologies linked to right-wing extremism and has been involved in violent incidents. Police have previously clashed with members who refuse to recognize government authority and are believed to hoard illegal firearms. Authorities suspect that around 2,500 members could engage in violence, with 1,350 classified as right-wing extremists.

There is a growing alarm about the group's potential to instigate violence. In 2022, multiple members were arrested for allegedly plotting a coup against the government, which included plans to instigate civil unrest and kidnap government officials. Historically seen as fringe or eccentric, the Reichsbürger have gained recognition as a significant threat amid a surge in far-right ideologies across Germany.

The federal prosecutor's office in Karlsruhe has characterized Fitzek's group as a criminal organization, citing Fitzek himself as wielding considerable influence over its operations. The movement asserts itself as a sovereign entity under international law, ambitiously claiming territory that aligns with the borders of the historic German Empire from 1871.