German Police Arrest 'Kingdom of Germany' Leaders, Ban Far-Right Parallel State Group

German authorities have banned the far-right extremist group known as the "Kingdom of Germany" and arrested its leader, Peter Fitzek, along with three senior members, following nationwide raids. Fitzek, a former chef and karate instructor, proclaimed himself "King Peter I" and led the largest faction within the Reichsbürger movement, which rejects the legitimacy of the modern German state and promotes monarchist and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. The group sought to establish a parallel state with its own banking, health, and legal systems, financing itself through illegal financial activities. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the group as a serious threat to democracy, highlighting their opposition to constitutional order and the spread of antisemitic narratives. The crackdown comes amid concerns over the Reichsbürger movement's increasing political influence and recent coup plots by affiliated groups. Police confiscated assets and evidence during raids in seven states, and investigations into the group's activities are ongoing.