Germany Prosecutes Far-Right 'Kingdom of Germany' Leaders
Four ringleaders face trial for conspiracy and establishing illegal pseudo-state structures.
1Trial of KRD Leaders
Four alleged ringleaders of the banned 'Kingdom of Germany' group appeared before the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court on November 6, 2026. The defendants, including Peter Fitzek, have been held in pre-trial detention since the group was officially banned in May 2025. They face serious charges regarding their anti-constitutional activities.
2Anti-Constitutional Conspiracy Charges
Federal prosecutors accuse the group of attempting to replace the modern German republic with their own system. The defendants allegedly established pseudo-state structures, including unauthorized banking and insurance systems. They also operated a registration office that issued fictitious identity documents to followers, directly challenging the legitimacy of the German state.
3Financial and Territorial Crimes
Beyond conspiracy charges, the defendants face accusations of document forgery and tax evasion totaling millions of euros. The group reportedly acquired land through donations, aiming to reduce German territory. Their stated goal was to expand their purported borders to match the German Empire of 1871, rejecting current national boundaries.
4Police Raids and Evidence
At the time of the ban in 2025, hundreds of police officers executed raids across 15 properties throughout Germany. The Interior Ministry confirmed that these operations seized significant evidence of the association's anti-constitutional goals. Authorities estimate the group maintained approximately 1,000 followers before the state intervention successfully dismantled their operations.
5Legislative Action on Drugs
Simultaneously, the Bundestag approved a bill to increase penalties for using date-rape drugs like GHB and GBL. The legislation classifies these substances as dangerous weapons, raising minimum prison terms for related crimes from three to five years. This move aims to better protect victims from incapacitation in clubs or homes.
6Parliamentary Support for Reform
The new drug legislation received broad support from the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and The Left. Only the far-right AfD abstained from the vote. Sonja Eichwede of the SPD emphasized that these drugs violate sexual autonomy and place women in mortal danger. The bill now proceeds to the Bundesrat for final approval.
7Infrastructure and Resource Concerns
German lawmakers are also addressing environmental challenges alongside legal reforms. A recent study warns that water consumption by data centers could more than double by 2030 due to the AI boom. This projection highlights the growing tension between rapid technological expansion and the sustainable management of essential natural resources in Germany.
8Broader Societal Implications
These developments reflect a dual focus on internal security and public safety. By prosecuting the 'Reichsbürger' movement and tightening laws against dangerous substances, the state is actively reinforcing its institutional authority. These actions demonstrate a concerted effort to mitigate both ideological threats to democracy and criminal risks to individual citizens.
Original article: DW – Top Stories — Germany Prosecutes Far-Right 'Kingdom of Germany' Leaders