Nine individuals in Germany accused of plotting a ‘Reichsbuerger’ coup face trial.

FRANKFURT/BERLIN—A group of nine alleged conspirators, including a former judge, parliamentarian, and retired military officers, went on trial on Tuesday for their involvement in a suspected “Reichsbuerger” plot to overthrow Germany’s democracy.

Prosecutors claim that these individuals were the leaders of a terrorist conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the government and installing Heinrich XIII Prinz Reuss, a property investor and descendant of a former throneless dynasty, as the caretaker head of state.

This high-profile case, held in a maximum-security courtroom on the outskirts of Frankfurt specifically built for the trial, is the second trial related to a conspiracy that allegedly involved at least 27 individuals.

The defendants, who appeared in court on Tuesday, were believed to be the political and military leaders of a plot to storm parliament, detain legislators, and seize power by force.

Prosecutors stated, “They were aware that their seizure of power would result in casualties.”

The defendants have denied charges of terrorism and high treason.

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The main figure in this movement is Mr. Reuss, who allegedly hosted planning meetings at his hunting lodge in eastern Germany. He appeared in court wearing a blue sweater and jacket over a white shirt, visibly leaner since his arrest.

The defendants are said to follow the “Reichsbuerger” belief system, claiming that the current German state is illegitimate and that they are citizens of a monarchy that survived post-World War One despite being formally abolished.

Security services estimate that about 21,000 people nationwide adhere to this conspiracy theory.

Last month, nine alleged accomplices faced trial in Stuttgart for their role in imposing martial law after a coup.

The defendants on Tuesday included former army officers Maximilian Eder and Ruediger von Pescatore, as well as former judge and ex-parliamentarian Birgit Malsack-Winkemann.

Prosecutors claim that Ms. Malsack-Winkemann used her parliamentary privileges to conduct a surveillance exercise with several co-conspirators at the Reichstag building in Berlin.

Mr. Eder stated in an interview from prison that the parliament tour aimed to identify locations to confront lawmakers alleged to be involved in a child molestation ring.

The main suspects are accused of seeking support from Russian officials, including meetings at Russian consulates in Germany and in Bratislava, Slovakia.

They believe in an “Alliance” of countries, including Russia and the United States, ready to aid in restoring Germany to its pre-World War Two state.

The Russian embassy has not responded to requests for comment.

Prosecutors claim the conspiracy had 500,000 euros in funds and stockpiled over 100,000 rounds of ammunition.

The trial attracted numerous spectators and journalists, who lined up hours before the proceedings began.