Germany arrests 5 right-wing extremists over terror plot

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German police carried out raids Tuesday to arrest right-wing extremists for conspiring to kidnap the health minister and planning major terror attacks.

Five extremists with ties to the far-right Reichsburger (Reich Citizens) movement were arrested during raids in six federal states, officials said.

A suspect, 41, who was arrested in the southeastern city of Wolfratshausen took part in plans two years ago to kidnap Health Minister Karl Lauterbach for imposing strict coronavirus measures, according to prosecutors.

The right-wing extremist had planned to travel to Croatia and purchase a gun to be used in the plot to kidnap Lauterbach, prosecutors told public broadcaster Bayerische Rundfunk (BR).

The other four suspects were reportedly supported or actively involved in plans to carry out terror attacks to sow chaos nationwide and overthrow the democratic system in Germany

Followers of the Reichsburger movement reject the legitimacy of Germany and claim the country is governed by members of a so-called “deep state.” Many refuse to pay taxes and are often in conflict with authorities.

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency BfV estimates that the group has 23,000 followers.