The lead suspect in a case involving nine men accused of planning a violent coup against the German state was targeted by prosecutors due to his involvement in organizing demonstrations against pandemic-era restrictions, as stated by his lawyer in court.

The defendant’s lawyer argued that he was unfairly associated with dangerous extremism simply for opposing COVID-19 social distancing measures.

The trial, which began in Stuttgart, involves a total of 27 individuals subscribing to the esoteric Reichsbuerger belief system, Reuters reported.

Prosecutors allege that the suspects conspired to overthrow the German government and install an aristocrat as ruler, planning to storm the parliament and detain legislators with the assistance of local military cells.

Despite prosecutors’ claims of their willingness to resort to violence, the defendants maintain their innocence.

Written by B.C. Begley