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Five Convicted in Germany for Coup Plot Involving Health Minister Kidnapping

Five individuals were convicted in Germany for plotting to overthrow the government and kidnap the former health minister amid far-right extremist activities.

Overview

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A German court sentenced five individuals for their involvement in a far-right coup plot aiming to kidnap the former health minister and destabilize the government. The Koblenz Higher Regional Court imposed prison terms ranging from two years and 10 months to eight years for the ringleaders of the group calling themselves the 'United Patriots.' Linked to extremist movements, they intended to orchestrate widespread civil unrest using explosives and kidnap the health minister, who advocated strict pandemic measures. This case follows previous arrests linked to similar coup plans in Germany.

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Analysis

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  • A German court convicted five individuals for plotting a coup against the government and kidnapping a high-profile health minister, highlighting growing tensions associated with far-right extremism.
  • The defendants were linked to a terrorist organization, 'United Patriots', which is part of a broader movement rejecting the legitimacy of Germany's postwar constitution, comparable to extremist groups in the U.S.
  • Despite the seriousness of the charges, there were no concrete plans indicating a close call to executing the coup, suggesting a level of ineffectiveness among these far-right groups.

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FAQ

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The plot involved using explosives to cause nationwide blackouts and kidnapping former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach to create conditions similar to civil war.

The 'United Patriots' group is linked to the Reichsbürger (Reich Citizens) movement, which rejects the legitimacy of Germany's postwar constitution.

The ringleaders received prison terms ranging from five years and nine months to eight years, while a 77-year-old woman received a sentence of two years and ten months.

This case is separate from another recent incident where over two dozen people were arrested in December 2022 for planning to topple the government.

History

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