As Spiegel reports, the Munich Higher Regional Court (OLG) found three men guilty on Thursday. A 62-year-old was convicted of membership in a terrorist organization and preparation of a treasonable enterprise. Two other defendants, aged 60 and 71, received sentences for supporting a terrorist organization and aiding the preparation of high treason.
The so-called Kaiserreich group had planned a coup during the pandemic and wanted to kidnap the then health minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD). The group was dismantled in 2022, and there have already been several trials against members nationwide. Presiding Judge Jochen Bösl described the group’s political ideas as “crude and bizarre.”
The 62-year-old convict had drawn up concepts for the group and revised the 1871 constitution. He was ready to serve as environment minister after the coup. The 71-year-old administered chat groups and wrote a letter to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin; he was to become minister for public works. The 60-year-old also agreed to participate and offered a ministerial post.
Judge Bösl stated that the group’s chances of success were not decisive for criminal liability. While anyone may “fantasize” as they wish, the line is crossed where violence is to be used. That line had been far exceeded here.
Source: www.spiegel.de
