Far-Right Terrorist Group Planned to Overthrow German Government, Police Say

Saxony Raids Net 25 Arrests

Police in the eastern German state of Saxony have arrested 25 people suspected of being members of a far-right terrorist group that was plotting to overthrow the government.

The group, called "Revolution Chemnitz," had been planning to use violence to seize power and establish a new Nazi-style state, according to prosecutors.

The arrests came after a year-long investigation by the state police and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The police said the group was led by a 54-year-old man named Martin H. and a 38-year-old woman named Sylvia R.

The suspects are accused of a range of offenses, including terrorism, sedition, and weapons violations.

The police said the group had stockpiled weapons and explosives and had been planning to attack government buildings and officials.

The arrests are a major blow to the far-right in Germany, which has been growing in strength in recent years.

The Saxon Interior Minister, Armin Schuster, said the arrests were a "clear signal" that the government will not tolerate extremism.

"This group posed a serious threat to our democracy," Schuster said. "We will not allow them to undermine our values or our way of life.

Background

The far-right has been growing in strength in Germany in recent years, fueled by anger over immigration and the loss of traditional values.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has ties to the far-right, has gained support in recent elections.

In Saxony, the AfD is the second-largest party in the state parliament.

Impact

The arrests are a major blow to the far-right in Germany.

The government has vowed to crack down on extremism, and the arrests are a sign that it is serious about this pledge.

The arrests are also likely to fuel tensions between the far-right and the government.