The German Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (GBA) announced on Monday it has charged five citizens with founding a terrorist organization and attempts to create an atmosphere similar to a civil war and kidnap Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (pictured) with the end goal of overthrowing the country's government and democratic system.
The prosecution explained that the accused Sven B., Michael H., Thomas O., Thomas K., and Elisabeth R. planned to destroy Germany's critical power infrastructure, cause a nationwide blackout and kidnap Lauterbach, who supported stricter measures against the spread of COVID-19. The five are scheduled to appear before the judge on Tuesday at the Koblenz Higher Regional Court.
The five, allegedly members of the far-right group Reichsbuerger, or Reich Citizens, were arrested in the period between April and October 2022. In December, the police raided the homes of and detained another 25 suspected members of the organization.
