Germany arrests 25 accused of far-right coup plot

STORY: Germany has arrested 25 people on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government and seize power in a violent far-right coup.

Prosecutors said the group was inspired by the deep state conspiracy theories of QAnon and the Reichsbuerger.

Members of the Reichsbuerger don't recognize the legitimacy of modern day Germany and insist the larger "Deutsche Reich" still exists - despite the Nazis' defeat in World War Two.

A suspect who calls himself Prince Heinrich from the former royal House of Reuss was seen as the designated leader of a future state. Germany's monarchy was abolished a century ago.

Prosecutors say he contacted Russian officials with plans of establishing a new order, but there was no evidence of a positive response.

The military intelligence service said other members included several reservists and an active soldier in the Special Forces Command.

A former member of parliament for the far-right AfD party, who currently serves as a judge, is also being investigated.

The plotters are suspected of developing concrete plans to storm the Bundestag with a small armed group, since the end of November 2021 at the latest.

Prosecutors further say the group focused on recruiting members of the military and police officers

And are suspected of preparing for the armed attack through the hoarding of military hardware and holding drills.

The arrests were made early on Wednesday morning (December 7) in raids across the country.

More than 3,000 police and security forces from 11 German federal states took part, with suspects also arrested in Austria and Italy.

The House of Reuss has in the past distanced itself from Heinrich, calling him a confused man who pursued conspiracy theories, according to local media.