Trial Opens for Leaders of Banned 'Königreich Deutschland' Reichsbürger Group

The trial of four alleged leaders of the banned Reichsbürger organization 'Königreich Deutschland' began at the Oberlandesgericht Düsseldorf. Among the defendants is Peter Fitzek, the self-proclaimed 'King' who declared the creation of this so-called fantasy state in September 2012, claiming to be the 'supreme sovereign' before hundreds of followers. Prosecutor Ingo Kaiser outlined that the group's aim was to establish a 'counter-state' within Germany, aspiring to extend its territory to the borders of the German Empire as of 1871.

The defendants, aged between 38 and 47, face charges including membership in a criminal organization, economic crimes, and tax offenses. The Federal Ministry of the Interior banned the group in May 2025 following a police raid leading to arrests, and the accused have remained in pre-trial detention since. The group reportedly operated its own banking and insurance system and issued fictitious identification documents, alongside introducing their own currency.

Between 2020 and 2025, they are alleged to have illegally raised approximately ten million euros through unauthorized financial transactions, donations, gift exchanges, and paid seminars. However, they failed to report this income to tax authorities and neglected employee tax and social security contributions. During the trial's opening, Fitzek appeared calm and often smiled, engaging with supporters attending the proceedings. His lawyer, Björn Clemens, questioned the court’s jurisdiction, arguing the main issue involves economic crimes rather than matters of state security, casting doubt on the fairness of the trial.