Trial Begins for Self-Proclaimed "King of Germany" and Associates in Düsseldorf

The high-security trial against Peter Fitzek, the self-proclaimed "King of Germany," and three other alleged leaders of the separatist group "Kingdom of Germany" began at the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf. Federal prosecutors accuse the defendants of establishing and operating a criminal organization aimed at replacing Germany's constitutional order with pseudostate structures.

Proceedings at the heavily guarded branch of the court experienced a brief delay due to security measures. Upon entering the courtroom carrying a blue trash bag and wearing a gray sweater with a ponytail, Fitzek disputed his legal identity during personal data verification. "My name is not Peter Fitzek, but Peter the First, son of man of Horst and Erika, and head of state," he declared, citing his nationality as the "Kingdom of Germany" while briefly pulling out a shoe to the audience. Defense attorneys announced their client would present a detailed statement and maintained that he faces no legitimate criminal wrongdoing.

Founded by Fitzek in 2012, the "Kingdom of Germany" sought to build an independent parallel society complete with custom identification cards, registration offices, its own currency known as the "E-Mark" or "New German Mark," and an unauthorized banking and insurance network. According to the federal prosecution, branches and municipal offices operated in cities such as Dresden, Ulm, Menden, and Wittenberg using fantasy documentation.

Between 2020 and 2025, the organization allegedly generated approximately ten million euros through donations, seminars, and illicit financial and insurance services. Prosecutors state that the group promised tax exemptions to its followers, failing to declare revenues to financial authorities or pay employee income taxes and social security contributions. This resulted in an estimated tax evasion exceeding two million euros.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt banned the organization in May 2025, designating it as the largest Reichsbürger and self-governing movement in the country at the time. While the group claimed roughly 6,000 followers when it was outlawed, security agencies estimated its membership closer to 1,000 individuals.

Following the May 2025 ban, Fitzek and three alleged co-leaders were arrested and placed in pre-trial detention. They currently face multiple charges, including leading a criminal organization, gang-related document forgery, and large-scale tax evasion, which carry potential prison sentences of up to ten years.

The Düsseldorf court has scheduled a total of 52 hearing days for the trial, with proceedings projected to run through September 2027.