German Court Jails Five for Far-Right Coup Plot

A German court has convicted five members of a far-right group known as 'United Patriots' for plotting to overthrow the government and kidnap former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. The ringleaders received sentences ranging from five years and nine months to eight years, while a 77-year-old woman was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison. Federal prosecutors highlighted the group's ties to the Reich Citizens movement, which denies the legitimacy of modern Germany, and their intent to create chaos through a sabotage attack on the power grid. Although there were no indications that the coup was close to being executed, the group's procurement of weapons and money indicated a serious threat. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the danger posed by such extremist plots, which are part of a broader crackdown on far-right extremism in Germany. The case is part of ongoing efforts to address the rising threat from far-right groups and domestic terrorism.