1 held in Germany over alleged plot to kidnap minister

A retired teacher has been arrested in Germany on terrorism charges in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap the country's health minister, reported dpa.

The news in April that Health Minister Karl Lauterbach - at the time one of the country's most high-profile politicians due to the coronavirus pandemic - was a possible victim of a kidnap plot caused outrage and led to several arrests earlier this year.

On Thursday prosecutors accused the detained pensioner of being a senior figure in the group said to be behind the plot.

She is alleged to have given instructions on how to advance and coordinate the group's plans with concrete deadlines, as well as being involved in the procurement of weapons and explosives.

The retired teacher is also said to have held recruitment talks with potential candidates to join the association.

She was arrested in the state of Saxony and her home was searched.

A magistrate will later decide whether she should be remanded in custody.