Steps Taken: Neo-Nazi Rally in Berlin Leads to Numerous Arrests
Authorities in Berlin report multiple arrests during a neo-Nazi rally
The latest neo-Nazi demonstration in Berlin, titled "For Law and Order. Against Left-wing Extremism and Politically Motivated Violence," has resulted in a whopping 85 arrests, as per the police. Participants blatantly flouted mask requirements and displayed unconstitutional symbols, according to the police spokesperson at midday. Around 850 participants joined this assembly in Friedrichshain district, but due to numerous counter-protests, the neo-Nazis were almost stationary at Ostkreuz.
The intended demonstration march couldn't proceed as planned due to protests. There were multiple sit-in blockades along the demonstration route, and the police were forced to intervene repeatedly. Isolated arrests were also made among counter-demonstrators. A criticized event occurred when left-wing protesters tried to break through a barrier, causing the police to deploy pepper spray.
Three participants were presented before a judge for displaying symbols of unconstitutional organizations, according to the police. Among those were a person wearing a forbidden swastika necklace, and two individuals who gave the Hitler salute. The judge ordered their preventive detention. This demonstration was organized by Aachen AfD local politician Ferhat Sentürk, who initially registered 1,200 participants and later up to 2,000 attendees for the Saturday event. Although the number was not achieved, significant participation compared to previous years.
The Berlin police, along with counter-protesters, had a considerable presence during the event. Initial arrests occurred at the beginning of the procession due to non-compliance with the mask mandate. Around 1,500 officers secured the area around Ostkreuz station and cordoned off the planned demonstration route with barriers. Despite this, there were some initial altercations, with counter-protesters intending to block the neo-Nazi march at Markgrafendamm. Overall, ten counter-demonstrations were announced.
The march route led from Ostkreuz, via Frankfurter Tor to Rigaer Straße, where the left-wing scene is active. However, the demonstrators were not allowed to proceed across the entire street due to restrictions. Police spokesperson Florian Nath emphasized in a video that, "We never protect the content of the assembly, only the assembly itself, the right to assembly." He urged the participants to remain peaceful.
Berlin has witnessed three demonstrations under the same title since December 2024. Around 150 neo-Nazis participated in the march last month, while in December, only about 60 individuals participated, according to police reports. On both occasions, left-wing groups made efforts to block the demonstrations, leading to clashes with the police and a tense atmosphere.
Source: ntv.de, afp/dpa
[1] Germany's ongoing struggle with fascist ideology and historical grievances[2] The history of the "For Law and Order" slogan in Europe[3] Parallels between the rise of far-right groups in Europe and the current climate in Berlin[4] Far-right groups leveraging concerns about public safety to mobilize support[5] Common narratives used by far-right groups to justify their actions in response to perceived left-wing extremism
- The Community policy, prompted by Germany's ongoing struggle with fascist ideology and historical grievances, has been seen in action as the police imposed a ban on unconstitutional symbols at the Neo-Nazi rally in Berlin.
- In defiance of employment policy regulations, participants of the Neo-Nazi rally at Berlin's 'Streße' reportedly failed to adhere to mask requirements, leading to numerous arrests.
- Despite the repeated Neo-Nazi rallies in Berlin, employment policy sectors have remained adamant about zero tolerance towards the displaying of unconstitutional symbols, as evident by the arrests made during the rally in Friedrichshain district.
