Escalating concerns about the rise of extremist aggression on the political right.
Revised Article:
Hey there! Let's dive into some worrisome news from Germany. The vibe of the 90s "Baseball Bat Years," a period synonymous with right-wing violence, seems to be creeping back as extremist incidents escalate, particularly in eastern Germany.
Lorenz Blumenthaler, who tackles right-wing extremism at the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, warns of the reemergence of a climate of violence and right-wing mobilization reminiscent of the 90s. He highlights the risk of it spreading.
The "Baseball Bat Years" were a dark time, marked by escalating right-wing violence, especially post-reunification. Riots in Hoyerswerda and Rostock-Lichtenhagen made headlines back then.
Mystery attack on demo in Bad Freienwalde
Recent events echo this dark past. On a Sunday in a small town in eastern Brandenburg, masked men violently attacked a demonstration against hate and incitement, with participants hailing from the queer community. The organizers and several initiatives claimed it was a right-wing extremist attack. The perpetrators remain at large.
Attacks on alternative youth facilities in Brandenburg are not new; they've occurred in recent months. Radicalization via online platforms is also a growing concern for constitutional protectors.
Right-wing extremism on the rise, warns expert
"The brutal attack in Bad Freienwalde underlines the surge of right-wing extremists," says Blumenthaler. Young men are increasingly targeted, he adds, via savvy mobilization on social media and promises of strength and simple enemy images during times of global turmoil. Particularly, events like Christopher Street Days (CSD) need protection from potential right-wing attacks.
Next Saturday, July 21st, there's a CSD planned in Eberswalde. Others are lined up for July, such as Falkensee, Wittenberge (5th July), and Neuruppin. A police spokesperson confirmed the attack in Bad Freienwalde will factor into future assessments for events like CSD.
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- The brutal attack in Bad Freienwalde seems to be a part of the resurgence of right-wing extremism in Germany, as warned by Lorenz Blumenthaler, an expert on right-wing extremism at the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, echoing the climate of violence from the 90s, known as the "Baseball Bat Years".
- Amidst the escalating attacks on queer community demonstrations and alternative youth facilities in Brandenburg, Lorenz Blumenthaler's warnings about right-wing extremism's surge seem particularly relevant, as right-wing extremists threaten peaceful events like the upcoming Chicago Street Days (CSD) in Eberswalde and other cities in July.
