Investigations against Reich citizens: Nazi slogans uncovered in Heiligenstadt

Investigations against Reich citizens: Nazi slogans uncovered in Heiligenstadt

On June 22nd, 2025 there is excitement in Heiligenstadt surrounding a meeting of “Reich citizens” that took place on April 12th. The public prosecutor's office in Mühlhausen took a close look at the speech of a prominent participant, Frank Haußner. Haußner shocked the audience by using the slogan “Everything for Germany,” which is deeply rooted in the history of the National Socialist Sturmabteilung (SA). According to [Göttinger Tageblatt](https://www.goettinger-tageblatt.de/lokales/eichsfeld-lk/obereichsfeld/ Heiligenstadt-suchen-im-eichsfeld-gegen-reichsbuerger-nazi-losung-im-blick-der-QSRTPB3PFFFKLIQQUJESSEEYFI.html) this signals an initial suspicion of possible criminal relevance according to § 86a of the Criminal Code (StGB).

The law in question prohibits, among other things, the use of license plates of unconstitutional organizations and has already caused a stir in many places. It was originally created to combat National Socialism but also other extremist ideologies and violations can result in up to three years in prison or fines. Exceptions to this are assignments in art or science, which are, however, strictly controlled. A detailed overview of the criminal law basis can be found in the Wikipedia article on Section 86a.

The suspicion and the investigation

The investigation is not yet complete. Benedikt Ballhausen, spokesman for the public prosecutor's office, confirmed that audio and video recordings of Haußner's speech had already been secured. The speaker not only questioned the existence of the Federal Republic of Germany, but also used other verbal material that belongs to the right-wing extremist milieu. Such a step was already seen as decisive in the conviction of the well-known politician Björn Höcke in 2024.

The “Reich Citizens” scene, which included around 250 participants at the meeting, is intensively concerned with the return to a German Empire within the borders of 1871. The event was organized by the “Association of German Electoral Commissions” (VDWK), which is considered the central umbrella organization of this movement. In addition to Haußner, other speakers such as Matthes Peter Haug and Klaus Maurer, who also have connections to extreme right-wing networks, have been announced. Markus Lowien is suspected of having ties to the “United Patriots,” who have publicly announced that they want to kidnap Karl Lauterbach. Such developments also put the police on alert.

Context and other events

The VDWK is already planning the next event, the “Heimathkongress VDWK 2025”, on July 12th and 13th in Eichsfeld. However, the conditions of participation are clearly defined only for registered people, and the exact location remains unclear. Participants have the option of wearing historical uniforms and anti-constitutional symbols. The police recently recorded three violations of the law on the use of license plates of unconstitutional organizations, which highlights the sensitive situation. Information about the legal framework can also be found here.

Overall, it shows that the topic of extremist ideologies and their influence in society is not only current, but also explosive. Discussions about the limits of freedom of expression and the prosecution of such crimes are more important than ever. It remains to be seen how the investigation into Haußner will continue and what further measures the authorities will take to prevent possible influence from extremist groups.