“Reich Citizen” process
Reuss lawyer criticizes “judgmental accusations” and rejects allegations of terrorism
The main defendant, Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss (M.), is led into the courtroom on the second day of the “Reich Citizens” trial
© Boris Roessler / DPA
They are said to have planned a violent coup: On the second day of the “Reich Citizens” trial in Frankfurt, the group’s defense is now commenting on the serious allegations.
In the Frankfurt terror trial against an alleged group of “Reich Citizens”, the defense of Prince Heinrich XIII. Reuss again rejected the accusations of the prosecution. There were no concrete facts in the indictment, criticized defense attorney Roman von Alvensleben on Thursday before the Frankfurt am Main Higher Regional Court. It is a judgmental accusation that he clearly criticizes.
Defense rejects terror allegations against Prince Reuss
For example, the prosecution speaks of a “state he hates” with regard to his client, but Reuss has lived and acted on the basis of the Basic Law and other laws. The prosecution draws conclusions and assessments here. There were no acts of violence and there should not have been any.
Von Alvensleben also criticized the division of the proceedings against the group into three court locations in Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich. This means that his defendant can only exercise his rights in one place.
The defense attorney also criticized the fact that media representatives were on site when his client was arrested in December 2022. This shows that information was passed on to media representatives. Reuss was previously convicted. The question also arises as to how the presence of journalists fits in with the dangerousness of the group claimed by the investigating authorities. The representatives of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office rejected the accusation that they had passed on information to the media.
“Reichsbürger” trial under high security precautions
The trial against Reuss’ group began on Tuesday in Frankfurt under high security precautions. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office accuses nine men and women of being members of or supporting a terrorist organization. Prince Reuss acted as a ringleader. A violent coup is said to have been planned.
The trial of the so-called military arm of the group began in Stuttgart at the end of April. The other alleged members of the group will also go on trial in Munich from June 18.