German court sentences 5 in plot to kidnap minister, overthrow government

BERLIN

A German court on Thursday handed down prison sentences to five right-wing extremists who plotted to kidnap the country's health minister and overthrow the government by creating nationwide chaos.

The Higher Regional Court in Koblenz sentenced four ringleaders to prison terms ranging from five years and nine months to eight years for forming a terrorist organization called the “United Patriots.” A fifth defendant received a lighter sentence of two years and 10 months.

The defendants, four men aged 46 to 58, and a 77-year-old woman, were found guilty of plotting to plunge Germany into chaos through bombing attacks on power infrastructure in 2022. Their plan included kidnapping Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who had faced fierce opposition from right-wing extremists for implementing strict coronavirus measures.

All the suspects had ties to the far-right Reichsburger (Reich Citizens) movement, which rejects Germany's legitimacy and claims the country is governed by a so-called “deep state.” Members typically refuse to pay taxes and frequently clash with authorities. Germany's domestic intelligence agency BfV estimates that the movement has 23,000 followers.