The German government has taken decisive action against a self-declared "king" and his followers, launching raids across seven states to arrest key figures of the extremist group known as the Reichsbürger, or "citizens of the Reich." Peter Fitzek, 59, was taken into custody along with three of his senior "subjects" on Tuesday morning as part of a coordinated operation involving approximately 800 security personnel.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the dissolution of the Reichsbürger, which aims to establish a so-called Königreich Deutschland or "Kingdom of Germany." He characterized the group's efforts as a serious threat to the rule of law, pointing out that they promote "antisemitic conspiracy narratives" to legitimize their claim to power. Dobrindt also highlighted the group's alleged reliance on "economic criminal structures" for financing.
Fitzek, once a chef and karate instructor, has long been a controversial figure, having crowned himself in 2012 while donning royal attire and wielding a sword. He has claimed to amass significant support, stating he has thousands of followers. The Reichsbürger have developed their own currency, flags, and ID cards, and propose to create independent banking and healthcare systems.
In a previous interview, Fitzek expressed disdain for the German state, labeling it "destructive and sick." Despite denying violent intentions, he has consistently resisted German laws, even after being convicted for driving without a license—a refusal that appears to be rooted in his symbolic rejection of legal authority.
With around 25,000 members, the Reichsbürger movement has gained notoriety for increasingly extremist views, with many members propagating racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories. Recent years have seen a surge in their activities, with estimates indicating that roughly 2,500 members might be prone to violence, while 1,350 have been classified as right-wing extremists.
The urgency to address this threat is reflected in past incidents, such as the 2022 arrests of multiple Reichsbürger members who allegedly plotted a violent coup aimed at overthrowing the German government. As the far-right movement has gained traction in Germany, authorities now view Reichsbürger not as harmless eccentrics but as substantial threats to democracy.
The federal prosecutor's office reported that Fitzek served as the group’s "so-called supreme sovereign," exerting considerable control over key operational decisions, which they defined as a criminal organization. A statement revealed that Fitzek's followers aim to transport the "Kingdom of Germany" to the borders established by the German Empire of 1871.
