75-year-old held in Germany on suspicion of leading far-right terror plot

A retired teacher has appeared before a federal court of justice in Karlsruhe and been remanded in custody on suspicion of being the ringleader of a terrorist group.

Elizabeth R, from Saxony is accused of leading a group planning to launch attacks on German politicians and power infrastructure.

She is accused of being the "ideological brains" behind the far-right group which had planned kidnappings and attacks on power facilities intended to cause blackouts across Germany.

Elizabeth R arrived in Karlsruhe on Thursday after being arrested that morning at her home in Flöha.

In April, four men connected to the plots were arrested after being found in possession of heavy weapons and to have been trying to obtain explosive materials.

It is not clear how close the group were to realising their plans.

Image: Sitacuisses