The number of identified Reich citizens in Bavaria has reached a new high. As of December 31, 2023, 5,406 people were counted as members of the scene, which means an increase of 38 percent over the past four years. Three police officers and eight other state officials are also at the scene. These figures emerge from the state government’s response to a parliamentary question from the Green parliamentary group in the Bavarian state parliament German press agency is present.
The corona pandemic, during which numerous conspiracy theories emerged, accelerated developments. The increasing willingness to use violence within the Reich citizen scene is particularly alarming. “Quite a few share right-wing extremist and anti-Semitic ideas, hoard weapons and are prepared to use violence,” said Green Party politician Cemal Bozoğlu.
According to the response to the request, 530 of the 5,406 identified Reich citizens are considered to be prepared to use violence. 24 people identified as Reich citizens had a gun permit as of December 31, 2023, and they were in possession of 76 firearms. Last year, the authorities revoked the gun permits of 39 Reich citizens and confiscated 93 firearms.
According to the information, Reich citizens committed almost 800 crimes and acts of violence in Bavaria in 2022, more than half of which were directed against politicians. These attacks include not only verbal threats and attempts at intimidation, but also physical acts of violence.
“Bavaria is now a stronghold of this scene”
The Reich Citizens’ Movement doubts the legitimacy of the Federal Republic of Germany and does not recognize its laws and institutions. “It must be a reminder to us of how the milieu of Reich citizens has developed largely unhindered since the corona pandemic. Bavaria is now a stronghold of this scene,” said the Green parliamentary group leader in the state parliament, Katharina Schulze. “These extremely dangerous and violent forces are just waiting for the chance to implement their crazy coup and attack plans.”
According to the information, several events with Reich Citizens have recently taken place in Bavaria. The regional focus of the scene is Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. A total of 18 events were registered last year that are attributed to the scene, including a “Future Congress” in Wemding, Swabia.