5 members of German far-right group go on trial for plotting coup

BERLIN

The trial of five suspected members of the United Patriots group who are accused of planning to overthrow the government began Wednesday in Germany.

The four men, aged 44-56, and a 75-year-old woman are accused of "wanting to unleash a civil war-like situation by causing an electricity blackout" and plotting to kidnap Health Minister Karl Lauterbach.

The accused intended to seize control of government organizations after their planned takeover. Federal prosecutors charged them with "preparing high treason against the federal government."

The four men were detained on April 13 last year and the woman, who is believed to be the group's ringleader, was detained on Oct. 13. They have remained in custody since then.