Berlin ∙ Widespread police raids in Germany on suspicion that far-right groups are preparing to overthrow the government through armed rebellion. 25 people were arrested. Among them there are 3 foreigners including one Russian. Investigation started against 27 others.
About 3,000 police officers raided 130 centers in 11 out of 16 states of the country. Law Minister Marco Bushman described the raid as an anti-terrorist measure. The army barracks were also inspected.
2 people have been arrested in Austria and Italy. The terrorist group, which was formed last year, also has ex-servicemen. The police found that they had made proper preparations to attack the Parliament.
Behind them are members of the terrorist organization Reich Citizens, which rejects the constitution of Germany created after the Second World War. Police found that this organization has 21,000 members. It is said that the goal is to overthrow the current German administrative system and create a new government on the model of the German Empire of 1871 called the Second Reich.
Chief among those arrested was a man who intended to become the head of the proposed regime. Another is the army chief. They informed the Russian government about the coup attempt. But it is not clear whether the support has been received. The official spokesperson disclosed that Russia has no connection with them.
English Summary: Germany arrests 25 accused of plotting coup