Self-declared ‘king of Germany’ Peter Fitzek arrested in Reichsbürger coup plot
The recent arrest of Peter Fitzek, the self-proclaimed “king” of Germany, and three of his senior “subjects” has sent shockwaves through the country. Fitzek, 59, was taken into police custody during morning raids conducted in seven German states. His group, the Reichsbürger, or “citizens of the Reich,” has also been banned by the government.
Fitzek’s group aims to establish the Königreich Deutschland, or “Kingdom of Germany.” They have their own currency, flag, and identification cards and want to set up separate banking and health systems. Despite claiming to have thousands of “subjects,” Fitzek denied having violent intentions but called Germany “destructive and sick.”
The Reichsbürger have been accused of undermining the rule of law by creating an alternative state and spreading antisemitic conspiracy narratives. Germany’s interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, stated that the group finances itself through crime. In 2022, dozens of people associated with the Reichsbürger were arrested for plotting to overthrow the German government in Berlin. They were accused of planning a violent coup, including kidnapping the health minister to create “civil war conditions” and bring down German democracy.
Originally dismissed as eccentric, the Reichsbürger group is now considered a serious threat within Germany as the far right has grown politically over the past decade. The group’s arrest has highlighted the dangers of extremist ideologies and the need to combat them effectively.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting democracy from those who seek to undermine it. As Germany grapples with the rise of far-right extremism, it is essential to address the root causes and prevent such groups from gaining traction in society.
The arrest of Fitzek and his followers is a step towards safeguarding the democratic principles that are the foundation of German society. It sends a strong message that attempts to overthrow the state will not be tolerated, and those who propagate extremist ideologies will be held accountable for their actions.
