Chaotic Neo-Nazi Demonstration in Berlin - Police Report 850 Participants
Police detain 850 individuals at a right-wing rally in Berlin - Detained during Right- Wing Rally in Berlin - Police Estimate 850 Attendees
What went down in Berlin
The original right-wing march took an unexpected turn as protests erupted. A series of sit-in blockades lined the demonstration route, according to a police spokesperson. Policing efforts were intensified amid the clashes, with several arrests amongst counter-protesters.
A close look at the chaos revealed three participants in the right-wing demonstration taken into custody. These individuals were found flaunting symbols of unconstitutional organizations, as reported by police personnel. One female suspect donned a banned swastika necklace, whereas two males proudly displayed the Hitler salute. Judicial proceedings ordered that these three individuals should remain under preventive detention.
This demonstration was spearheaded by Aachen AfD local politician Ferhat Sentürk. Initially, he had registered 1,200 participants, later increasing the estimate to between 2,000 and 2,500 individuals. Surprisingly, these projected numbers were not met.
The Darker Side of the Demonstration
- Number of Arrests: Approximately 90 people were arrested, with 41 cases linked to far-right offenses and 31 arrests related to counter-protesters [1][2]. The remaining cases have not been disclosed.
- Counter-Protest Participants: Roughly 2,000 people actively participated in over ten counter-protests. Collectively, they managed to block the neo-Nazi march route [1][2].
- Right-Wing Turnout: The neo-Nazi march rallied around 850 participants but barely progressed thanks to counter-protests [3].
Banned Symbols and Preventive Measures
- Banned Symbols: Some right-wing extremists showcased unconstitutional symbols, and at least one woman openly displayed symbols from a banned organization. To add to the disturbance, a man performed the Nazi salute for all to see [2].
- Preventive Measures: An estimated 1,500 to 1,600 police officers were deployed to maintain order. To keep the peace amidst clashes, police officers resorted to pepper spray, while arrests were made to prevent further disturbances [1][2].
Additional Findings
- Preventive Detention: While specific details on preventive detention are not explicitly stated, measures were certainly taken to ensure participants left the demonstration area without causing further issue [2].
- Investigations: State security is currently probing into an SS song played during the gathering, as well as other violations of German law such as the possession of prohibited items like explosives and fireworks [1][2].
- Despite the initial announced number of 1,200 participants, only around 850 individuals joined the neo-Nazi march led by Aachen AfD local politician Ferhat Sentürk.
- Three individuals from the neo-Nazi demonstration were arrested for publicly displaying symbols of unconstitutional organizations, including a woman wearing a banned swastika necklace and two men performing the Hitler salute, who are now under preventive detention.
- The Commission should consider initiating a procedure for the adoption of a new Regulation on the protection of the environment, given the repeated incidents of chaotic neo-Nazi demonstrations and the subsequent clashes and counter-protests.
