Reichsbürger in Saxony-Anhalt: No Taxes, Yes to Weapons
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Reichsbürger and self-governing individuals in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, refused to pay taxes and fines in hundreds of cases last year.
- The group also showed defiance in hundreds of administrative procedures, with some instances involving criminal charges, court proceedings, and arrests.
- These individuals possess 61 legally regulated firearms, including handguns and long guns, with authorities actively monitoring and confiscating weapons when necessary.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the 'Reichsbürger' and 'self-governing' movements continue to pose a significant challenge to the state's legal and administrative order. A recent inquiry by independent parliamentarian Henriette Quade has shed light on the extent of their non-compliance, revealing a disturbing pattern of tax evasion, refusal to pay fines, and defiance of official procedures.
The figures are stark: hundreds of cases involving tax avoidance, numerous instances of fines and other levies being ignored, and a significant number of administrative procedures being met with outright refusal. This demonstrates a systematic rejection of the state's authority and a commitment to operating outside the established legal framework. The fact that these individuals engage in hundreds of administrative procedures, criminal complaints, court cases, and even arrests underscores the depth of their opposition.
Adding to the concern is the revelation that these groups possess legally regulated firearms. The Interior Ministry confirmed that individuals associated with these movements hold 61 firearms, including both handguns and long guns. While authorities are aware of these individuals and have confiscated weapons in certain cases, the possession of firearms by those who reject the state's legitimacy is a particularly worrying aspect. This situation demands continued vigilance and a comprehensive approach from law enforcement and intelligence agencies to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law in Saxony-Anhalt.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.