On a recent Saturday in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, a demonstration by right-wing extremists fizzled out prematurely after around four hours, thwarted by robust counter-protests. The neo-Nazi group barely reached their designated endpoint at the Ostkreuz train station before the rally was called off by its leader, as per police reports shared on X.
In response to the event, police deployed approximately 1,500 officers, including reinforcements from Bavaria and Bremen, to maintain a division between the marchers and counter-protesters. The rally drew around 850 participants, a notable increase compared to recent demonstrations. Organisers had expected closer to 1,200 attendees, but a massive display of opposition saw a turnout of several thousand counter-demonstrators, estimated between 2,000 and 5,000, echoing their message with loud protests against the neo-Nazi agenda.
Tensions escalated during the protest, with police confirming the occurrence of scuffles and the use of pepper spray to manage confrontations. Some demonstrators from the counter-protest attempted to breach police barriers, leading to the temporary arrest of several individuals. Ultimately, around 100 arrests were made, with some individuals detained for breaching a mask-wearing ban. Police hinted at providing more details soon.
Interestingly, three individuals were legally barred from attending this march due to prior actions that included use of unconstitutional symbols, with one notable case involving a participant who made a Hitler salute. This marked the third such gathering by the right-wing extremists since December, under the same slogan, demonstrating a disturbing continuity in their efforts.
A neo-Nazi march in Berlin was disrupted by major counter-protests, leading to its early cancellation. Approximately 1,500 police officers were deployed, and nearly 100 arrests occurred amid scuffles as demonstrators attempted to breach barriers. This rally, the third of its kind since December, saw a significant rise in participants compared to earlier events.
The Berlin police’s firm response to the latest neo-Nazi march underscores the ongoing pushback against extremist ideologies. The juxtaposition of the rally and the significant counter-protests reflects the community’s commitment to combat hate. The numerous arrests highlight the law enforcement’s proactive approach in maintaining public order and safety during such volatile events.
Original Source: www.dw.com
