They wanted to overthrow the government in Germany – by force. There was even extra target practice to get ready for battle. Citizens of the Reich and conspiracy advocates had united, believing that Germany was currently being run by members of a “deep state”—that is, by a hidden and illegitimate state leadership structure. And right in the middle: Birgit Malsack-Winkemann (58). A judge and ex-Bundestag member of the AfD.
She and 24 other suspects were arrested in a nationwide raid. According to the federal prosecutor’s office, 3,000 police officers were involved in the operation. Attorney General Peter Frank said his office charged the accused with membership in or support of a domestic terrorist organization. According to the information, the members share their deep rejection of democratic institutions.
The Administrative Court of Berlin only decided in October that Malsack-Winkemann could continue to work as a judge. Berlin Senator for Justice Lena Kreck (41) wanted to prevent the AfD politician from sitting on the court seat again after her time in the Bundestag from 2017 to 2021. She questioned Malsack-Winkemann’s loyalty to the Constitution. But Kreck does not give up and wants to “exhaust all instruments to completely remove the suspect from the judiciary”, as the “Spiegel” reports.
It could have provided important information for the invasion of the Bundestag
After the raid on Wednesday, the judge Schurbel left the civil chamber, the Berlin judiciary announced. But that doesn’t mean she’s completely out of commission. Apparently she’s still on the ready list.
Malsack-Winkemann could have provided the Reich Citizens Network with useful information from and about the Bundestag. As a member of the Bundestag, she was able to move freely in the building for many years. As a former member of parliament, Malsack-Winkemann had access to the buildings of the Bundestag, as all former members of parliament wished. According to the investigators, an armed attack on the Bundestag was in concrete preparation. If the coup had succeeded, Judge Schurbel would apparently have become the new justice minister.
Attorney General Peter Frank said his office charged the accused with membership in or support of a domestic terrorist organization. According to the information, the members share their deep rejection of democratic institutions.
Single, crazy and old
Heinrich XIII, who lives in Hesse, is believed to be the leader of the terror group. Prince Reuss (71), one of Germany’s most dangerous conspiracy theorists.
He had been “known to the Hessian security authorities for a long time,” says Hessian Interior Minister Peter Beuth (55). According to the federal prosecutor’s office, the prince was intended as the future head of state.
The noble house sharply distanced itself from the alleged leader. “He is single and is unfortunately a crazy old man,” said family boss Heinrich XIV Prince Reuss. There has been no contact with “this black sheep of the family” for a long time.
The male descendants all bear the first name Heinrich to this day. And the wealth of the blue-blooded clan is considerable to this day. But the House of Reuss lost its political power long ago. Apparently, the 71-year-old tried to forcefully change that. (jmh/AFP)