On March 22, 2025, Berlin-Friedrichshain saw a planned right-wing extremist demonstration abruptly interrupted by fierce counter-protests. Organized by Allianz für Deutschland, the rally sought to draw attention to the rising tensions concerning extremist politics, under the banner “For Law and Order. Against Left-Wing Extremism and Politically Motivated Violence.” Despite claims of 1,200 participants, only around 850 right-wing extremists gathered at Ostkreuz S-Bahn station, and even then, their numbers saw minimal increase throughout the day.
Leftist groups rallied robustly against the demonstration, with estimates of around 2,000 participants. Amidst increasing tension, police struggled to maintain control, facing unprecedented opposition and forming barricades to impede the right-wing rally’s progress. As Benjamin Jendro from the Police Union stated, “Our democracy must endure even when Nazis march through the streets, as long as it is done within the framework of democratic law,” highlighting the delicate balance law enforcement must uphold in such volatile situations.
The march faced significant delays, ultimately leading its leader to dissolve the protest just before 5 PM due to heightened tensions from counter-demonstrators. In the early hours, police recorded over 40 arrests, mainly due to violations involving the display of unconstitutional symbols and failure to comply with masking regulations. Alarmingly, instances of Nazi salutes were reported, further complicating the enforcement of order.
The police deployed around 1,500 officers to manage the escalating conflict, bringing in support teams from Bremen and Bavaria to ensure public safety amidst the increasing chaos. Clashes broke out as right-wing extremists attempted to breach police barriers, with confrontations becoming more frequent, leading officers to use pepper spray to disperse aggressive groups.
This event marks a continuation of a worrying trend in extremist demonstrations in Berlin, with a noted increase in participation since late 2024. Prior to this, a few neo-Nazis gathered merely two months before, suggesting a rising coordination or mobilization from the far-right. Observers, including officials, acknowledged the need for vigilant monitoring of such events, emphasising that, “We protect neither the content of the assembly nor its themes, but firmly uphold the right to assembly within the bounds of law. Ultimately, our primary concern is public safety.”
On March 22, 2025, a right-wing demonstration in Berlin was disrupted by significant counter-protests, with approximately 2,000 leftist demonstrators opposing around 850 right-wing participants. Police struggled to maintain order, leading to over 40 arrests and confrontations between the two groups. The increasing attendance at such rallies indicates a trend in far-right mobilization, prompting calls for vigilant monitoring by authorities.
The stark contrast between the right-wing and counter-demonstrations in Berlin underscores the growing tensions surrounding extremist politics in the region. This event not only highlighted the complexities of maintaining public order amidst such charged situations but also indicated a wider trend of mobilizing efforts from far-right groups. Ultimately, the commitment of police to uphold democratic principles while ensuring public safety remains crucial in addressing these challenges.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
