Raid in Saxony: terrorist group United Patriots in its sights!

Raid in Saxony: terrorist group United Patriots in its sights!

In Saxony, the authorities currently have a hot iron in the fire: several apartments were searched because the suspected right-wing terrorist group “United Patriots” is suspected of pursuing a dangerous agenda. Loud MDR The raids took place in cities such as Dresden, Görlitz and Leipzig as well as in the Erzgebirgskreis and Vogtland. The Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office has taken over the proceedings from the Federal Prosecutor's Office and is now prosecuting five men between the ages of 47 and 77.

A 47-year-old who joined the group in December 2021 and a 57-year-old who is suspected of supporting the group are particularly in the focus of investigators. The other three men are accused of knowing about the coup plans but not reporting them. What exactly are these far-reaching plans?

Plans of a terrorist organization

According to investigations, the “United Patriots” not only planned to dismiss the government, but also considered the kidnapping of Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. To achieve this, an actor should appear as the Federal President or Chancellor and proclaim the dismissal of the federal government. Attacks using explosives to destroy the power supply were also part of the grotesque and dangerous plans. As the Koblenz Higher Regional Court (OLG) has now confirmed, the group was classified as a terrorist organization in accordance with Section 129a of the Criminal Code. This reports LTO.

The hearing on these allegations began on May 17, 2023 and dragged on for almost two years. A total of 106 days of trial were required, during which 38 witnesses were heard, including experts from various authorities. Last March, four ringleaders of the “United Patriots” were sentenced to prison terms of up to eight years – a 77-year-old woman received a sentence of two years and ten months. But the verdicts are not yet legally binding.

Intervention of the authorities

The official intervention shows how serious the situation is. An undercover agent played a key role by offering weapons for sale, thereby enabling the arrest of the suspects. This is in the context of further investigations, which also reveal the overthrow plans of another group under Henry XIII. Prince Reuss, who also sought a change of power.

The situation remains tense as further trials are underway against relatives and supporters of the “United Patriots”. The authorities are required to not only recognize the current threats, but also to keep an eye on possible future dangers, because as I said, something is happening.