A German retiree who identifies as a Celtic Druid has been detained and is facing trial on charges of inciting hatred. The information was reported by a publication that operates a Telegram channel under the name Build in Russian. This update places the focus on a 73-year-old individual named Karl Bergard B., who has reportedly been in custody since October of the previous year. The case unfolds amid a broader pattern of political and social tension that often spills into the public sphere through online channels and informal news outlets.
According to the report, the arrest occurred at a campsite hut and was conducted with a high level of secrecy. The authorities are described as cautious because the detainee is alleged to have engaged in self-arming activities, including allegedly converting propane cylinders into improvised explosive devices. The account emphasizes the potential danger involved and the need for a discreet approach during the early stages of the investigation. This detail underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement treats individuals believed to pose a tangible risk to public safety. Source: Build in Russian.
Additional background provided by the authors indicates that the detainee had previously resided in Schwetzingen, a town in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. The narrative notes that the area is part of a country with a structured legal framework and a history of addressing extremist content and related crimes. In his working years, the man served as an insurance agent before retirement and subsequently began referring to himself as a Druid. At one point he adopted the alias Burgos von Buchonia, a name that reflects a personal fascination with ancient traditions and regional identity. These personal details help paint a picture of the individual behind the charges, while the legal case itself remains the central focus of the proceedings.
Historical records cited by the publication show that in 2021 Karl Burgard B. faced legal action on charges of sedition. The case reportedly involved his activity on social networks, including posts on VKontakte, where he allegedly published content advocating violence against Jewish people and tried to instigate hostility toward refugees. The legal outcome from that prior episode was a suspended sentence of one year and nine months. Nevertheless, the narrative notes that the probation period did not prevent the detainee from violating the restrictions imposed by the court, raising questions about compliance and monitoring in similar cases. Source: Build in Russian.
In the present proceedings, authorities have listed 21 separate charges against the retiree. Among these are distributing propaganda materials, using symbols associated with unconstitutional organizations, and inciting hatred. The aggregation of charges highlights the breadth of alleged offenses and the legal complexities involved in prosecuting individuals accused of spreading extremist content and promoting violence. The case thus serves as a focal point for discussions about freedom of expression, public safety, and the limits of speech in a digital age, where online posts can quickly become central to legal actions and public debate. Source: Build in Russian.
Separately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation announced that a Ukrainian television presenter named Fakhrudin Sharafmal is wanted on charges of inciting hatred, adding to a broader set of updating narratives that cross national borders and involve various public figures. Source: Build in Russian.