Janice R. Andrews
A German court has sentenced five individuals to prison for plotting to kidnap Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and overthrow the government. The group, linked to the far-right “Vereinte Patrioten” (United Patriots), aimed to plunge Germany into chaos through bomb attacks, power outages, and the abduction of Lauterbach. Their ultimate goal was to dismantle parliamentary democracy and reinstate the Imperial Constitution of 1871.
The nearly two-year trial concluded in Koblenz, with four men receiving prison terms ranging from five years and nine months to eight years. A 77-year-old woman, described as the group’s “political mastermind,” was sentenced to two years and 10 months. She frequently espoused conspiracy theories from the “Reichsbürger” movement, which denies the legitimacy of Germany’s modern state.
Prosecutors revealed the group’s plans included treasonous acts and creating widespread disruption to destabilize the government. The verdict underscores Germany’s ongoing struggle against far-right extremism and efforts to safeguard democratic institutions. This case highlights the persistent threat posed by radical ideologies and the importance of vigilance in combating domestic terrorism.
