IMAGO / Steinach
The Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter scene has been monitored nationwide by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) since 2016. This was triggered by the so-called police murder in Georgensgmünd by a member of the movement. However, the history of this phenomenon does not begin on 19 October 2016, but goes back much further. Similarly, there is not only a danger to people's physical well-being, but the security policy challenges posed by Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter are manifold.
Potential dangers posed by Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter: anti-democratic, armed and in some cases violent
The movement of Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter is known for its affinity for weapons. Not only do many members have a weapons licence, but raids carried out show that some members of the scene have illegal weapons. In disputes with state representatives, Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter repeatedly use violence - sometimes with firearms.
In addition to this threat to people's physical well-being, Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter have an anti-democratic mindset, which they not only increasingly share within their own circles, but also spread to the outside world via social media. The targeted influencing of people by spreading conspiracy narratives represents a major challenge for democratic structures.
The official institutions of municipalities, districts and cities, but also representatives of blue-light organisations, are also confronted with the high workload that arises in the course of contact by Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter. Falsified documents, flimsy instructions and a high potential for aggression are often specific challenges when dealing with the scene.
Regular online discussions create a forum for community dialogue
The Konrad-Adenauer-Sitftung analyses the topic of Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter intensively and at regular intervals. In 60-minute online discussions, a forum for exchange between science, politics, civil society, media, state institutions and security authorities is to be created in order to share different perspectives and recommendations for action. If you would like to be informed about this series of events and publications on the topic, please subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this website. Only then will you automatically receive invitations to future discussions.
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