There are minors and other young people among those who were arrested early on Tuesday morning. They are allegedly part of a group of around 15-20 people who make up the group Sächsische Separatisten.
The group is characterized by racist, anti-Semitic and sometimes apocalyptic attitudes, the German public prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
– The members are united in a deep rejection of the liberal democratic order and believe that Germany is approaching “collapse”, the statement says.
Ethnic cleansing
The prosecution believes the group planned to seize power in Saxony, but also possibly in other states in the former East Germany. The purpose was allegedly to establish governance and social structures inspired by National Socialism (Nazism).
– If necessary, unwanted people groups should be removed from the area through ethnic cleansing, says the prosecution.
The eight men and boys were arrested in various locations in Saxony, while their alleged leader was arrested in Poland.
Over 450 police officers
Over 450 police officers and special forces searched 20 addresses in connection with the arrests on Tuesday.
The Sächsische Separatisten was founded in November 2020 at the latest, the authorities believe. Since then, the militant group has been preparing for what they perceive as an inevitable and violent change of power, according to the prosecution.
The members have repeatedly carried out paramilitary training in combat uniform and concretely practiced, among other things, urban warfare and weapon handling.
The group also acquired military equipment, including camouflage uniforms, combat helmets, gas masks and bulletproof vests, according to investigators.
Seven others are suspected but not arrested in the case.
Increasing threat
Germany has repeatedly taken action against groups that want to overthrow the government.
In 2022, the so-called Reichsbürger group planned to storm the national assembly Bundestag in Berlin and take elected officials prisoner, according to the prosecutor’s office.
German authorities and security services have for years warned of a growing threat from the far right against democratic institutions.
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