Prosecutors Charge Neo-Nazis Over Planned Hitler-Inspired State

German federal prosecutors filed charges Wednesday against eight alleged members of a far-right extremist cell accused of plotting to establish a Hitler-inspired Nazi state in Saxony by violently seizing territory and eliminating ethnic minorities and government officials.

The indictment highlights renewed alarm over resurgent far-right militancy in Germany and the enduring threat of Hitler’s ideology to democratic order.

Plot Details The group, styling itself the “Saxon Separatists,” prepared for an imminent “day X” when they believed the federal government would collapse. Prosecutors allege they stockpiled weapons and ammunition, conducted paramilitary training-including night marches and house-to-house combat drills-and planned to declare an independent Nazi state in eastern Germany.

Government Response Federal prosecutors, acting on a 2024 police raid that dismantled the group, charged the eight men with forming a terrorist organization and plotting treason. Searches uncovered knives, machetes, combat helmets, camouflage gear, and ammunition.

Political Fallout Three suspects were former members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which swiftly revoked their memberships after the arrests. One suspect was shot and wounded by police during his capture and now faces attempted murder charges in addition to the main indictment.

A Dresden court must decide whether to proceed to trial, while investigators continue probing other potential members and supporters.