Prison sentences for resistance to coronavirus measures in Germany

A court in Germany has handed down prison sentences to three men for planning to violently resist coronavirus measures during the pandemic.

The Regional Court in the western city of Koblenz imposed a total sentence of two years and nine months in prison for the 39-year-old main defendant for founding a criminal organization and forming an armed group.

The other two defendants received suspended sentences of one year and three months, and one and a half years, respectively. They must also each pay a €1,000 ($1,080) fine.

According to the court, the three defendants had together formed a group called Paladin, with the 39-year-old the ringleader.

The group’s aim was to defend itself against government measures during the pandemic – if necessary, by using force of arms. The court heard that weapons were produced using 3D printing, and paramilitary exercises were also said to have taken place.