The individuals were arrested in May 2023 and have been charged with high treason. They belong to the terrorist-classified group "United Patriots", which German authorities view as part of the Reichsbürger movement, which does not recognize the current form of government and wants to restore the empire.
The age stands out – one of the convicted is a 77-year-old woman. She is said to have functioned as the brain behind the plans, which also included some form of coup. The others are men between 46 and 58 years old.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who has become a red rag for this type of group due to his covid policy, was according to the indictment to be taken away from a talk show appearance after his bodyguards "were knocked out".
The German police uncovered a similar plot in December 2022, when 25 people were arrested suspected of violent revolutionary plans.
