The German Interior Ministry has revealed that authorities are actively searching for 189 individuals affiliated with far-right groups known as Reichsbrger (Citizens of the Reich) and Selbstverwalter (Self-administrators). These groups reject the legitimacy of the modern German state and its legal framework, often advocating ideologies steeped in anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories. The figures were disclosed in response to an inquiry by the Left Party in the German Bundestag, reported byRedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND).

Arrest Warrants Highlight Far-Right Threat

As of September 30, 2024, 254 open arrest warrants were issued for these 189 suspects, according to the Interior Ministry. Among these:

• 20 warrants were issued for politically motivated violent crimes.
• 77 warrants were for other politically motivated offenses, such as forgery, incitement to hatred, and coercion.
• The remaining warrants pertain to general crimes without explicit political motivation.

Authorities indicate that more than 20 of the suspects are believed to be abroad. Some of the open warrants date back several years, highlighting the challenge of apprehending individuals who often evade capture by exploiting gaps in international law and enforcement coordination.

Reichsbrger and Selbstverwalter: A Snapshot

The far-right aligned Reichsbrger movement denies the legitimacy of the Federal Republic of Germany, often citing the pre-1918 German Empire as the only valid state authority. Members of these groups reject Germanys borders and the dissolution of the German Empire, viewing modern governance as illegitimate. In contrast, Selbstverwalter declare their properties sovereign and claim independence from state authority, often to avoid taxes and legal obligations.

Rise in Violent Incidents

The Left Partys Martina Renner expressed alarm over the rising danger posed by these groups. She noted that the rate of violent crimes committed by Reichsbrger members is disproportionately high, with such crimes occurring at twice the rate seen in overall police crime statistics.

This dangerousness should no longer surprise anyone, Renner said, calling for increased vigilance and enforcement.

Internet and Offline Propaganda

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution or the German intelligence service known as Germans domestic intelligence service,Bundesamt fr Verfassungsschutz(BfV) reports that these groups rely heavily on the Internet and social networks to disseminate their ideologies. Offline, their activities range from pseudo-legal declarations of sovereignty to outright denial of historical events such as the Holocaust.

The groups actions undermine Germanys legal system and pose a broader threat to international stability, with the Interior Ministry emphasizing their opposition to territorial integrity and cross-border understanding.

Connections to Coup Plots

Multipletrialsare underway across Germany concerning alleged coup plots involving Reichsbrger members. One high-profile case involvesHeinrich XIII Prinz Reuss, a descendant of German nobility accused of conspiring to overthrow the government and install himself as head of a new state.

The Interior Ministry and law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize efforts to locate and arrest these suspects. In the six months between March and September 2024, authorities executed 93 arrest warrants related to these groups. However, the scale of the challenge underscores the need for sustained vigilance and resources to counter this persistent threat to Germanys democratic order.