Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a sweeping crackdown, Germany bans extremist movement “Kingdom of Germany” (KRD), a cult-like faction within the Reichsbürger network accused of forming a shadow state. The Interior Ministry issued the ban hours before security forces raided over 20 locations across seven German states, arresting four suspects including Peter Fitzek, the group’s self-declared monarch “Peter I.”
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the KRD had “created criminal economic structures” while rejecting the German state and its laws. The KRD allegedly promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories and established a self-proclaimed kingdom with its own banks, ID documents, and even currency.
“This group attacks the core of our democratic order,” Dobrindt declared. The ban means the group’s websites will be blocked and all assets seized. Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported the move, stating on X: “We are increasing national security and targeting those who challenge our constitution.”
Founded in 2012 in Wittenberg, the KRD reportedly has around 6,000 members. The group’s ideology echoes the US-based QAnon conspiracy movement. Members believe the Federal Republic of Germany is illegitimate and call for the reinstatement of a monarchy they claim still exists.
Prosecutors identified the other arrested suspects only by initials, citing privacy laws. Over the last decade, the group allegedly operated an unauthorized banking system, healthcare network, pension fund, and even a pseudo-government.
The Germany bans extremist movement action follows a rise in radical activity. In 2016, a Reichsbürger follower shot a police officer. The movement drew national attention in 2022 when its members were accused of plotting an armed coup. In March 2025, five extremists were jailed for planning to kidnap former health minister Karl Lauterbach during pandemic-era tensions.
Earlier this month, Germany’s domestic intelligence service labeled the far-right AfD party a “confirmed rightwing extremist” threat. That designation allows for expanded surveillance and has sparked debates about a potential ban on the party.
