Peter Fitzek

Peter Fitzek (born 12 August 1965) is a German political activist associated with the Reichsbürgerbewegung ("Reich Citizens' Movement"), a movement contesting the legitimacy of the current German state, the Federal Republic of Germany.[1]

Flag used by the 'Kingdom of Germany' micronation of which Fitzek is the 'king'.

Fitzek has proclaimed himself "King of Germany" of "NeuDeutschland", which consists of several properties around the city of Wittenberg, south of Berlin. His movement claims with 5,000 members, its own currency, a bank, and social security. In 2016, Fitzek was sentenced to three months in prison for traffic offences, and his premises were searched by police in the course of a financial regulation investigation.[2][3][4] In 2017, Fitzek was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for operating a bank without a license and embezzling his clients' money,[5] though the conviction was later quashed.[6] The group has been under surveillance by German intelligence services, who consider the group a potential threat.[6]

In 2022, his group purchased land in Saxony with which they intend to create their own state.[7] Also in that year, he claimed to have 5,000 members of his group, now identifying himself as Peter I of the Kingdom of Germany.[6]

References
  1. "The self-proclaimed kingdom that doesn't recognise Germany". BBC News. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  2. "Fahnder durchsuchen "Königreich Deutschland"". Die Welt (in German). 13 April 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  3. "Judge sends 'King of Germany' to jail". The Local. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  4. ""König von Deutschland" muss in Haft" (in German). Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung. 17 October 2013. Archived from the original on 9 December 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  5. ""König von Deutschland" zu Haftstrafe verurteilt". Der Spiegel. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  6. "The self-proclaimed kingdom that doesn't recognise Germany". BBC News. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  7. "Reichsbürger: German 'crackpot' movement turns radical and dangerous". BBC News. 7 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
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