German justice is now prosecuting 55 people suspected of preparing a coup. This means that the number of suspects has more than doubled since December, when the German authorities carried out a major anti-terror operation.
The suspects are all part of the far-right Reichsbürger movement. Members of that organization do not recognize present-day Germany. They claim that the German Reich as it existed between 1871 and 1945 still exists.
In December, the German police and security services carried out a series of raids. 25 people were then arrested because of a plan to storm the German parliament and take over power. The German police then announced that more arrests would follow.
At least 22 people are suspected of membership of a terrorist organization. They would have played a major role in the organization and possible execution of the coup. Other suspects are considered supporters of the movement, although their role in the planned coup is unclear.
54 suspects are in Germany and 24 of them are in prison. The others are allowed to await their case in freedom. A German former soldier who was arrested in Italy is legally challenging his surrender to Germany. With the exception of a Russian woman, all suspects have German nationality.
