German nobleman facing trial for alleged role in coup conspiracy
A member of German nobility facing allegations of orchestrating a plot to overthrow the government stood trial on Tuesday, unveiling a massive legal proceeding that sheds light on a purported far-right scheme to seize control of the nation's legislative body.
A suspected aristocrat appeared in court on Tuesday, facing accusations of planning to overthrow the German government. Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, 72, is believed to have led the alleged far-right scheme to storm the country's parliament. He stood trial in a high-security courtroom in Frankfurt alongside eight other defendants, including former judge Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, who was reportedly prepared to become minister of justice.
Nine ringleaders accused of treason allegedly planned to bring back the German Reich through violence, including storming the Bundestag and kidnapping President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The second trial of the three trials taking place in Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Munich begins on Tuesday, making it one of the largest anti-terror cases in modern German history.
Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a former judge, was present at the Frankfurt trial on Tuesday. She is accused of leading her co-defendants on a tour around the Reichstag parliament to plan a coup. 
The case, involving 27 defendants, has been divided into three trials for logistical reasons. Along with the five judges, two more will be available in case of a long-term absence during the Frankfurt trial. Approximately 260 witnesses are expected to be called, with up to 45 officers assigned to maintain security at the location.
Berlin senator Franziska Giffey was attacked at a local library.
Berlin senator Franziska Giffey was attacked at a local library.
Christoph Soeder/dpa/AP
Related article
A former lawmaker for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Malsack-Winkemann, is accused of leading a group of individuals to scout the location around the Reichstag building. Berlin senator was attacked in a library amidst a series of violent incidents targeting German politicians.
The Hesse higher regional court stated that the defendants, including former army officers Maximilian Eder and Ruediger von Pescatore, were characterized by a strong dislike for German state institutions and the democratic system.
The terror organization's scheme to topple the German government and establish martial law was discovered in 2022. The group had been plotting since August 2021 to replace the government with a council-like cabinet and a military branch, as per the accusations.
The plotters amassed almost $550,000 in funds and had access to a massive armory, according to the Public Prosecutor.
Editor's P/S:
The alleged
