German authorities issue arrest warrants for 189 Reichsburger members

German authorities have issued arrest warrants for 189 individuals linked to the far-right “Reichsburger” movement, an extremist group that rejects the legitimacy of the modern German state. The move follows an investigation into the group’s suspected involvement in a subgroup known as the “Self-Governance” faction.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior revealed the warrants in response to an inquiry from the Left Party, stating that more than 254 arrest orders had been issued. Security officials confirmed that over 20 of the individuals targeted are believed to be outside of Germany, and some have been evading authorities for years.

According to the ministry, 20 of the warrants stem from charges related to violence, while 77 others concern charges of coercion, forgery, defamation, or incitement to rebellion. The remaining warrants cover a range of general criminal activities.

The Reichsburger movement, which is estimated to have around 23,000 members, does not recognize the legitimacy of the Federal Republic of Germany. A subgroup of approximately 2,100 individuals is known to be particularly violent and ready to use force to achieve its objectives. Some Reichsburger members adhere to monarchist ideals, while others are aligned with Nazi ideology. Additionally, some believe that Germany is still under military occupation.